with leader, led narrowly before last, ridden and kept on well run-in
in touch, went 3rd before 2 out, kept on run-in
tracked leaders, led 14th, headed 15th, soon weakened
led to 14th, led again 15th, ridden and headed narrowly before last, one pace run-in
NOT A BOTHER BOY carries 7lb extra after a comfortable win over these fences last month. But that looks stronger form than Thatildee's recent win at Hexham and Sue Smith's charge should go close again. The latter won a novices handicap last time and is upped 8lb while Heron's Mill has yet to win in 10 starts over timber and makes his chasing debut. Silver Dragon has a shout on last year's best form but was disappointing at Market Rasen yesterday.
Not A Bother Boy (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Mid-division, headway before 14th to chase leaders, led before 3 out, kept on, won at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (5) sft in Nov beating Native Que (11-4) by 7l, 11 ran.
Silver Dragon 10-3fav (11-11) Hit 1st, niggled along, jumping slowly and towards rear after, reminders before 7th, struggling 9th, behind from next, 5th of 6, dist behind Bredon Hill Lad (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Nov.
Heron's Mill (IRE) 11-8fav (11-5) Led, blundered 3rd, pushed along 4 out, headed before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, dist behind Destiny Awaits (11-4) at Ayr 3m hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Thatildee (IRE) 15-2 (10-6) With leader, led 9th, pressed when left clear last, kept on, won at Hexham 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Kalastar (11-4) by 22l, 7 ran.
