prominent, ridden and lost place halfway, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
mid-division, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, pushed along 9th, mistake and weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before last
made all, drew clear from 2 out
towards rear, mistakes, headway 11th, effort after 3 out, no extra from 2 out
mistakes, soon towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, went 2nd 9th to 2 out, soon weakened
in touch, headway 9th, went 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden 10th, soon beaten
held up in rear, mistake 2nd, hit 10th, headway under pressure 3 out, soon no impression
The more difficult division of the two chases but Ryders Storm can defy a season off the track to beat Kitski and Kinburn. Ryders Storm is still a novice but some of his previous form really does stand up to tough examination. His second to Jumieges saw him have a couple of useful sorts in Hirvine and Bob Ar Aghaidh in behind and if Sue Smith can have him straight enough on his first racecourse start - he has to be the one to beat. Kitski had not stayed three miles on his previous starts and he had a decent chance to land an event at Market Rasen in November. His jumping is not without the odd error and he is one to have reservations about. Kinburn has to be respected as a well bred Roselier gelding. His win over hurdles at Wetherby was in a dire contest but there are certainly no queries about his stamina. Kimbambo was a bitter disappointment at Kelso. There must have been a valid reason for that as we have not seen him for three months. Beamish Prince has had his chances and although he has a high BHB rating - George Moore has not saddled a winner at Sedgefield for a very long time. Rifleman is a favourite of those who follow quirky horses. Any bets on him are placed in full knowledge of his failings. River Mist won well at Catterick over the extended three miles. She is receipt of a mares allowance on this occasion. Iris' Prince never quite achieved what his illustrious beginnings promised. Ryders Storm gets the nod.
Been Here Before 50-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 7th, weakened before 3 out, 4th of 16, 19l behind King Barry (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (F) gd.
Iris's Prince 25-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, lost place 5th, pushed along approaching 12th, soon weakened, 4th of 7, well behind Bewleys Berry (11-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f beg chs (E) gs in Nov.
Kimbambo (FR) 7-4fav (11-6) In touch, pushed along 4 out, ridden next, soon one pace, 4th of 10, 26l behind South Bronx (11-6) at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (D) gs in Oct.
Kinburn (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) In touch, ridden to lead 2 out, headed approaching last, not fluent, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Famous Grouse (11-12) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) sft in Nov '04.
Kitski (FR) 10-3fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, stayed 4th, led 10th, going well when fell 3 out in race won by Fiery Peace (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs in Nov, 8 ran.
Ryders Storm (USA) 3-1jt-fav (10-13) In touch, went 2nd 3 out, ridden and hit next, led flat, kept on but headed close home, 2nd of 10, hd behind Jumieges (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (E) gs in Nov '04.
Emmasflora 9-2fav (11-4) Prominent, led 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 15, 8l behind Purple Patch (11-5) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (D) sft in Nov.
River Mist (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, led next, driven and kept on flat, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd beating Totally Scottish (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 17 ran.
