mid-division, headway after 9th, soon pushed along, ridden from 3 out, stayed on flat to lead final stride
held up and behind, headway approaching 11th, ridden after 3 out, one pace from 2 out
in touch, led after 11th, ridden approaching 2 out, 4 lengths clear when blundered and unseated rider last
towards rear, struggling from 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
behind, never dangerous
mid-division, headway 10th, went 2nd 3 out, 4 lengths down and held when left in lead last, hung right flat, headed final stride
prominent, led 4th to 10th, weakened after 11th, mistake 3 out, tailed off
prominent, weakened after 11th, mistake 3 out, tailed off
led to 4th, chased leader until led again 10th, headed after 11th, weakened approaching 2 out, behind when pulled up before last, dismounted
raced keenly, held up, headway approaching 11th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden after 9th, weakening when blundered and unseated rider 10th
in rear, not fluent 7th, soon pushed along, losing touch when hampered 10th, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
Nonrunner
This is a competitive handicap hurdle and Bob Mountain is preferred over Potts of Magic and Montevideo. The selection looks a progressive hurdler and he won a decent race in good style at Towcester last time when he got the better of Sabre Hongrois. He is a thorough stayer so this step-up in trip should suit and he stands out as the one to beat. Potts Of Magic will have no problems with the trip and this close relative of Denman did win well last time when beating the well fancied Asudo at Ascot. That was on soft ground but he will handle this quicker surface and he is respected. Montevideo was a little disappointing last time but he was returning from a six-month break that day and there may be better to come here. Waynesworld is a capable performer on his day and this course and distance winner is not without a chance, but Bob Mountain is going the right way and can land the prize.
Montevideo 16-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, blundered 10th, soon driven along, headway approaching 2 out, stayed on, 4th of 12, 7l behind Champagne Harry (11-0) at Stratford 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Bob Mountain (IRE) 7-4fav (11-8) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, led before last, stayed on well, won at Towcester 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in May beating Sabre Hongrois (11-2) by 2l, 7 ran.
Prestbury Knight 7-1 (11-6) Held up, headway 7th, ridden and every chance 2 out, bumped approaching last, kept on flat, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Dizzy Future (10-2) at Ludlow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in May.
Potts of Magic 6-1 (10-8) Towards rear and keen, smooth headway 4 out, joined leader 2 out, led on bit soon after, hit last, ran on, easily, won at Ascot 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating Asudo (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Waynesworld (IRE) 9-2 (10-2) Held up, headway 16th, led 3 out, clear well before 2 out, mistake last, stayed on well, won at Stratford 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in May beating Liverpool Echo (11-4) by 5l, 12 ran.
Caliman (FR) 3-1fav (11-9) Held up in touch, improved 4th, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, hit last, 5th of 8, 30l behind Alderman Rose (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in May.
The Bandit (IRE) 5-1 (10-8) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, 4th and beaten when mistake last, 5th of 12, 9l behind Champagne Harry (11-0) at Stratford 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Rockys Girl 8-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden next, kept on flat, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Garryvoe (11-12) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
