led, joined last, headed and unable to quicken run-in, kept on for clear 2nd
tracked leaders on inside, 2nd 3 out, travelling well before next, challenged last, led run-in, edged right and kept on well
held up in last trio, outpaced 3 out, plugged on into 3rd on long run before next, no chance with first two
chased leaders, not fluent 1st, ridden before 4 out, weakened next, tailed off and pulled up after 2 out
held up in last trio, mistake 6th, plugged on into modest 4th on long run before 2 out, never involved
chased leader, ridden and lost 2nd 3 out, weakened on long run before next, tailed off
raced keenly and wide in last trio, hung left and reminders in last place bend after 5th, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
It's a surprise to see SOUTHFIELD STONE back in this company after his superb run in the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown where he was beaten less than 4l. He'd easily won his three previous starts, a bumper and two novice hurdles, on this track and can hardly be opposed. The main threat should be provided by stable companion Dr Sanderson, a Carlise bumper winner and easy Worcester winner on his hurdling debut but disappointing at Hereford when last seen in November. Winning point-to-pointer Bold Plan has been finding the minimum trip too short and this should provide a stiffer test of stamina though he may find the ground too lively, a remark that also applies to The Ibbster, a dual winner between the flags.
Southfield Stone 6-1 (11-7) Chased winner, pushed along before 2 out, lost 2nd and no extra in 3rd before the last, 3rd of 5, 3 3/4l behind Elixir De Nutz (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) sft in Jan.
Bold Plan (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Tracked winner, ridden and well held before last, lost 2nd place post, 3rd of 13, 10 1/4l behind Rouge Vif (11-0) at Southwell 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Caspers Court (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, weakened before 6th, 11th of 18, dist behind Greaneteen (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Jan.
Corsecombe 200-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, weakened 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Exeter 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Jan.
Nocturnal Myth 20-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 2nd, headway 4 out, no impression, 7th of 15, 35 1/4l behind Duke Of Kilcorral (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (5) sft in Nov.
The Ibbster (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Chased leader until pushed along after 7th, chased leaders, weakened quickly before next, 7th of 10, 27 1/2l behind Master Work (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f (4) gd in Oct.
Sea Present (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Prominent, took keen hold, under pressure after 4 out, weakened next, 7th of 8, dist behind Printing Dollars (11-0) at Exeter 2m 7f mdn (5) gs in Jan.
Dr Sanderson (IRE) 11-8fav (11-4) Held up towards rear on outside, headway when jumped left 5th, ridden after 2 out, 3rd and weakening before last, 4th of 13, 22 1/2l behind Star Of Lanka (10-12) at Hereford 2m 4f (4) gs in Nov.
Royal Reef (IRE) 100-1 (11-5) Chased front pair to before 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out, at Leicester 2m 4f (4) gd in Jan.
