mid-division, close to order 3rd, ridden after 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
prominent until weakened approaching 6th
mid-division, struggling after 4th, tailed off when mistake 6th
not fluent, always behind, lost touch approaching 5th, tailed off
always behind, lost touch before 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway from 5th, chased winner after 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression last
raced keenly, led to 5th, weakened after next, tailed off
always prominent, led 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, ran on well flat
mid-division, no impression and struggling 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
prominent early, ridden and struggling after 3rd, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 6th
chased leaders on outside, lost place to 2nd, struggling 6th, tailed off
mid-division, headway fourth, ridden after 6th, not fluent last, weakened flat
Division one of the Novices race can go to Art Virginia ahead of Runthatpastmeagain and Prince De Bersy. The selection probably chased too strong a pace last time out and this useful chaser is capable of scoring today over hurdles. Any ground suits and with stamina assured he can take advantage in this easier contest. Runthatpastmeagain returns from a lengthy absence and whilst Jonjo's charge has shown that he isn't the most straight-forward (awkward head-carriage and has hung in the past), he should be respected especially if the rain comes. Prince De Bersy has shown a fair level of form, and third last time out at the track, he should again go well. However he let down favourite backers on that occasion and looks to be struggling under his penalty. Silver Ace made a rather under-stated start to his hurdling career last time out at Cartmel but he wasn't unfancied and may not have been suited by that track watch the market for confidence as better can surely be expected at some point. Celtic Romance is another who could sneak into a place at a big price, however Art Virginia is taken to win for trainer Nicky Henderson.
Art Virginia (FR) 15-8fav (10-12) Led and set fast pace, ridden after 3 out, headed after last, weakened close home, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Dan Buoy (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (4) gf in Aug.
Dominoes 25-1 (10-9) Held up, headway when hit 4th, ridden 6th, weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by This Way That Way (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Aug, 12 ran.
Old Golden Grey 100-1 (11-1) Led not fluent, led to 2nd, ridden and weakened quickly approaching 4th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Le Royal (10-13) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (D) gd in Jan '04, 16 ran.
Pack Drill 8-1 (11-2) With leader halfway, ridden 6f out, weakened over 3f out, 10th of 12, 18l behind Pharanto (10-9) at Towcester 2m mdn nhf (5) sft in May.
Rexmehead (IRE) 150-1 (10-9) Took keen hold in mid-division, badly hampered 4th, mistake and fell 5 out in race won by Andijan (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gf, 13 ran.
Runthatpastmeagain (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) In touch, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, hung right, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 18, 1 1/2l behind Valiant Shadow (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Silver Ace 11-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next pulled up 3 out in race won by Just Stunning (10-9) at Cartmel 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gd in Aug, 10 ran.
Prince De Bersy (FR) 7-4fav (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on flat, 3rd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Willie Pep (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf.
Celtic Romance 40-1 (10-5) Mid-division, weakening when hampered 3 out, 3rd of 10, 22l behind Notre Cyborg (10-12) at Stratford 2m nov hdl (4) gf.
Cottam Karminski 100-1 (10-5) Raced keenly, prominent to 3rd, soon behind, tailed off 3 out, last of 11, well behind Summer Lodge (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf.
Palila 16-1 (10-8) In touch, tracked leader 6f out, one pace final 2f, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Lady Roania (10-11) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gf in Nov.
Rashida 16-1 (10-10) In touch, ridden 6th, under pressure when mistake 3 out, soon weakened and blundered last, 9th of 14, 33l behind Walton Way (11-6) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov sll hdl (5) gd in Feb.
Musical Chord (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Prominent to halfway, soon behind and pulled up at the 13th in race won by Ryminster (11-8) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gf in Apr, 12 ran.
