jumped left throughout, led until 13th, weakened after 3 out, lost 2nd before next
mid-division until dropped rear 7th, well detached 11th, stayed on approaching 2 out, went moderate 3rd flat
held up behind, hit 2nd, headway from 10th, went 3rd and mistake 13th, hit next, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway 8th, went 2nd next until 11th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, smooth headway 8th, led 13th, soon drew well clear, very easily
chasing leaders when fell 8th
held up towards rear, ridden and headway after 3 out, went 2nd next, never any chance with very easy winner
chased leaders until 9th, soon dropped rear, stayed on again from 2 out
Some in-form performers here and narrow preference is for Caislain Na Deirge ahead of Dun Drinan and Cooler's Quest. The selection has kept his form well all season and rewarded backers with a deserved victory last time out. That was at Ludlow when he was stepped up to three miles for just the second time and now staying with this trip he looks worth siding with once again despite a rather harsh-looking 10lb rise in the weights. Dun Drinan won on his previous jaunt across the Irish Sea and Edward Barrett's gelding must be respected in his follow-up bid. Coolers Quest looks sure of a decent effort given the way he won last time out, and could be capable of giving his trainer a timely fillip. Coeur D'Alene is consistent but ultimately yet to win in 24 starts, whilst Lusaka De Pembo will appreciate the step back up in trip and shouldn't be ruled out. An open race, and preference is for Caislean Na Deirge.
Lusaka De Pembo (FR) 5-1 (11-8) Tracked winner, ridden after 4 out, kept on, always held from next, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Big Al (9-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Classic Clover 11-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden after 11th, weakened 13th, tailed off, 7th of 14, well behind Ibberton (10-4) at Chepstow 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Duke Of Stradone (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) In rear until fell in race won by Mon Oiseau (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 6f hcp chs 0-116 gd, 10 ran.
Caislean Na Deirge (IRE) 15-2 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 11th (water), went 2nd 4 out, led 3 out, clear when not fluent 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Ludlow 3m amt hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Oct beating Ashgreen (11-8) by 5l, 13 ran.
Dun Drinan (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, headway 12th, challenged 3 out, slipped on bend approaching 2 out, led last, stayed on, won at Warwick 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf beating Pure Brief (9-9) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Coeur d'Alene 3-1 (11-2) Towards rear, left 2nd 3 out, left in lead last, hard ridden and out battled close home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Boytjie (11-5) at Wincanton 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Outside Investor (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) With leader until 10th, soon ridden, no danger from 13th, last of 5, 29l behind Petit Lord (11-8) at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (3) gf.
Coolers Quest 6-5fav (10-8) Raced in close 3rd, went 2nd at 13th, upsides 2 out, driven to take narrow lead, not fluent last, kept on well, won at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd beating Carroll's O'Tully (11-0) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
