mid-division, headway 4 out, chased winner 2 out, soon ridden, no extra flat
raced keenly, mistakes 1st and 3rd, held up towards rear when fell next
held up, headway approaching 4 out, in touch and chance when blundered badly and unseated rider next
towards rear, pushed along from 5th, never dangerous
prominent, mistake 4th, blundered 8th, ridden 2 out, soon no impression
mid-division, chased leaders 4 out, mistake next, soon lost place, no chance when blundered last
led to 3rd, remained in touch, led again 4 out, ridden final furlong, stayed on well flat
in touch, led 3rd, headed 8th, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, rallied to take 2nd flat
raced keenly in touch, led 8th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
always behind, tailed off from 4 out
Stamparland Hill made a few mistakes but still won with plenty in hand at Carlisle on his return and is fancied to follow up off his new mark with The Nomad and Wuxi Venture rated the main dangers. The selection has not always looked the most natural of jumpers but is well treated as a result and, provided that his jumping holds up here, Malcolm Jefferson's gelding can defy the 5lb rise. The selection also has the advantage of race fitness on his side and with the others to have raced previously this term, including Gone Too Far and Wuxi Venture, needing to improve on recent evidence he should have little to fear from them. The Nomad ended last season in good form and holds claims, off what looks a fair mark, if fit enough for his reappearance. Winchester missed all of last term and is probably best watched on his first outing for 575 days so a bigger threat may come from George Moore's Argento. The seven-year-old starts his second season over fences on a fair mark and has to be respected but the vote goes to Stamparland Hill in the hope that his jumping stands up to the test.
