held up, headway 6th, went 2nd approaching 8th, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on
in touch, pushed along after 3rd, lost place 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
in touch, ridden when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
behind, headway 9th, ridden after 3 out, one pace from next
prominent to 9th, soon behind
always towards rear
mid-division, lost place and mistake 4th, tailed off when pulled up after 8th
led, headed after 8th, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 3rd, led after 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed and hit last, no extra
chased leaders, ridden approaching 9th, weakened after next
never going well, always behind
chased leaders to 8th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Harrycone Lewis looks the percentage call in this tricky affair with Thyne For Intersky and Tomina looking two of the more obvious dangers. Pam Sly's string have been running particularly well in recent weeks under both codes and Harrycone Lewis has been one such success story. He was far from disgraced on a recent start over chase fences but is actually much lower rated over hurdles and as an out-and-out stayer, he should certainly have no problems with today's conditions. The booking of Warren Marston suggests he's the one to beat. Thyne For Intersky has always been held in high regard by his enthusiastic connections. His absences stem very much from the plight of Jonjo O'Neill's stable bugs but he was certainly in rude health last time out and a bold show is anticipated. Tomina was well backed before departing early in a recent Cheltenham heat. This does represent a substantial step up in trip. Reasonable Reserve is a likeable sort who may respond to a return to Southwell while Darab, who was sent off favourite for a recent staying event at Catterick would certainly warrant a mention in the event of any market confidence. A difficult call but the in-form Pam Sly is carrying all before her at the moment and Harrycone Lewis gets the nod.
Tomina 4-1 Close 4th when fell at the 2nd in race won by Prins Willem at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gd, 12 ran.
Thyne For Intersky (IRE) 6-4fav Tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, ran on well flat, won at Worcester 3m nov hdl (E) gf beating The Kirk by 6l, 12 ran.
The Flyer (IRE) 22-1 Mid-division, lost place 7th, headway 9th, ridden after next, stayed on flat, 3rd of 15, 1l behind General Gossip at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs.
Monte Cristo (FR) 4-1 Behind, pushed along 6th, headway 2 out, ran on flat, 4th of 14, 5l behind Prince of Persia at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs.
Darab (POL) 5-1fav Held up, hit 3rd, pushed along approaching 8th, soon weakened, 10th of 13, well behind Omni Cosmo Touch at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Feb.
Hawthorn Prince (IRE) 25-1 Held up, headway approaching 7th, ridden 2 out, one pace flat, 5th of 9, 2l behind Tee-Jay at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gf in Dec '03.
Harrycone Lewis 16-1 Chased leaders, led 9th, hit 13th and 4 out, headed 2 out, stayed pressing winner, rallied run-in, held near finish, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Zeta's River at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Mar.
Peddars Way 11-2 Mid-division, headway approaching 7th, ridden 9th, outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on again approaching last, 3rd of 17, 8l behind Jordans Lad at Worcester 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gf.