led or disputed lead until went on 9th, ridden and kept on from 2 out
in touch, driven and outpaced 9th, ridden and kept on from 3 out, never troubled leaders
led or disputed lead to 9th, soon lost place, weakened from 3 out, tailed off
in touch, chased winner 4 out to next, one pace when not fluent 2 out
held up, headway 4 out, went 2nd next, ridden and kept on from 2 out, no impression on winner
tracked leaders, lost place approaching 4 out, behind when pulled up before next
held up, chased leaders approaching 3 out, soon ridden, no impression from next
Cobbet deserves a change of fortune and is selected in preference to Corrib Drift and Return Home, while Tommy Spar is respected but has a bit to prove now that he has to give weight away all around. Peter Bowen's charge is a sure-footed jumper though and, as Richard Johnson knows him very well, a bold bid is expected. Return Home has plenty of scope for improvement and, having shown an aptitude for chasing, he can make the rest aware of his presence - especially if the anticipated rain arrives over the weekend. Corrib Drift has been very consistent in his 15 outings over jumps and, having won with plenty in hand at Stratford last month, it will come as no surprise to see him go close today. However, Cobbet is sure represent better value in the betting market and, having easily brushed aside Xcellance last time, Tom George's charge should not be underestimated in a wide open contest like this.
Tommy Spar 3-1fav (11-10) In touch, lost place 3rd, headway 10th, led after 12th, ridden clear 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul beating Mill Bank (11-2) by 12l, 8 ran.
Cobbet (CZE) Favoured Nations gelding, half-brother to the winning jumper Cobbet.
Xellance (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Prominent, went 2nd 5th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 8, 13l behind Maidstone Monument (10-12) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Jul.
Corrib Drift (USA) 7-1 (11-7) In touch, hit 4th, led approaching 4 out, ridden clear approaching 2 out, ran on well flat, won at Stratford 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jul beating Father Tom (10-0) by 5l, 11 ran.
Return Home 9-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, led approaching 4 out, ridden and headed 3 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 10, 9l behind Barton Park (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul.
Hanko (GER) 9-1 (11-5) Prominent, jumped right 1st, lost place 5th, ridden 4 out, stayed on not troubled leaders, 4th of 10, 13l behind Sir Brastias (11-11) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Heather Lad 12-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 10, 14l behind Rich Song (9-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jun.
