held up in rear, ridden and lost touch approaching 12th, tailed off
chased leaders, pushed along 13th, weakened approaching 3 out
with leader, led 6th to 8th, led 10th to 13th, ridden and edged left after 3 out, hung right approaching last, lost 2nd last, no extra flat
in touch, weakened 4 out
held up in rear, ridden and weakened after 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
led to 6th, led 8th to 10th, led 13th, just held on
held up in touch, took keen hold, went 2nd last, hung left flat, ran on well, just failed
A cracking little race featuring some bang in-form horses and some that are unexposed. A tentative suggestion is BENMORE BOY ahead of The Snail. It's encouraging that Graham Lee takes the ride aboard Henrietta Knight's gelding as he partnered Calgary Bay to success for the yard at the weekend. Benmore Boy rather lost his way at the end of last season but he had shown ability over the smaller obstacles and it would be no surprise were he to show improved form now chasing. The Snail has been a slow learner but the penny has dropped in no uncertain terms now and he has to be feared given the ease of his latest success despite the extra burden. Ballabrook also comes here on the back of a course success but that was over hurdles and he has more to prove over the larger obstacles as he's only managed to make the frame once in three starts in that sphere. Flemish Invader was well supported at Perth only to be let down by his jumping errors before heading to Towcester where he weakened dramatically on the run-in. He's been given some time off and could bounce back. Award Winner is another that needs to put a modest run behind him but he has claims on the pick of his form whilst Cadoudalas has his first run for a new yard and is just the type that Richard Lee does well with. Passato is harder to make a case for but the remaining six runners all have claims and we're going to take a chance with Benmore Boy who should, at least, be an attractive price.
Award Winner 5-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, mistakes 11th and 12th, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Doctor Pat (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Cadoudalas (FR) 2-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, jumped right throughout, hit 9th and 11th, soon outpaced, staying on when blundered 4 out, ridden and went poor 2nd approaching last, one pace flat, 2nd of 5, 14l behind Nile Moon (11-7) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Flemish Invader (IRE) 13-8fav (11-2) Held up, in touch, soon chasing leaders, challenged 3 out, went 2nd and held last, quickly pulled up when faulted flat, 7th of 9, well behind BallyGalley Bob (11-2) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
Passato (GER) 20-1 (10-10) Behind, mistake 3rd, driven and hit 12th, tailed off 13th and soon pulled up, in a race won by Hey Big Spender (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 14 ran.
Benmore Boy (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Held up, some progress after 6th, ridden 3 out, soon beaten and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Supreme Keano (10-11) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec '08, 15 ran.
The Snail 7-1 (11-7) Prominent, made most from 8th, in command bypassing 3 out, eased flat, won at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft beating Overlaw (10-0) by 21l, 12 ran.
Ballabrook (IRE) 2-1fav (10-9) Chased leaders, challenged on outside 3 out, disputing lead next, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Ludlow 2m 5f am nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft beating Rothres (9-7) by nk, 13 ran.
