disputed lead until outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, 3 lengths down in 2nd and no impression when not fluent and unseated rider last
disputed lead until went on 3 out, 3 lengths clear when hung left and not fluent last, soon left clear and ridden, unchallenged after
tracked leaders, outpaced 12th, 4th and beaten 4 out, soon weakened
behind from 3rd, hit next, reminders and struggling after 8th, lost touch 10th, last and still plenty to do 4 out, left moderate 3rd last, rallied to take 2nd post, no chance with winner
chased leaders, driven 9th, ridden to take 3rd 5 out, kept on same pace under pressure from 3 out, left 7 lengths 2nd last, no chance with winner, lost 2nd post
Just the five runners and having obliged on debut for David Bridgwater, Academy General is likely to have his followers but he was disappointing when switched to fences so we'll row in with BRASSICK. Charlie Longsdon had a winner earlier in the week and he'll be hoping that the six-year-old can add to the tally. Proven under the prevailing conditions, he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip at Worcester last month. Wayward Glance probably needed his return at Newton Abbot but there's no getting away from the potency of the Jim Best and Tony McCoy combination. The ex-Michael Bell inmate won twice over hurdles and was runner-up in a further four contests. Harris Garden and High Ron have a bit to prove and are opposed.
Academy General (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, weakened from 3 out, went poor 3rd from before 2 out, 3rd of 6, 32l behind Bold Chief (11-7) at Stratford 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd.
Brassick 10-1 (10-12) With leaders, led before 6th, headed 3 out, kept on and held by winner, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Buachaill Alainn (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Harris Garden (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) Held up mid-division, headway before 4 out, went 2nd before 3 out, weakened from last, 4th of 16, 13l behind Anton Dolin (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gf in Jun.
High Ron 40-1 (10-12) With leaders, lost place from 13th, 7th of 11, well behind Buachaill Alainn (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Wayward Glance 6-1 (11-0) Chased leading trio, went 3rd 13th, stayed on same pace from approaching 2 out, not fluent last, 3rd of 8, 12l behind American Spin (11-0) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f beg chase (4) gd in May.
