tracked winner, ridden after 8th, hit 2 out when slightly outpaced by leaders, stayed on towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, stayed on same pace, never quite able to challenge
held up in 4th, mistake and closed 8th, tracked winner 4 out, jumped right 3 out, not fluent next, no impression flat
raced in last, ridden after 6th, behind 8th, tailed off
made all, jumped right 1st and 2nd, not fluent 3 out, ridden after 2 out, went left last, stayed on gamely flat
Nonrunner
Helium was well beaten when favourite at Southwell 10 days ago and possibly lacks a bit of scope now. He may find one too good again here in NEARBY, who hasn't raced since contesting the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in April but his form over timber is far superior to that of his rivals and he should make a winning start over the larger obstacles if his jumping stands up. Mayberry won a novice event at Stratford last month but was already off the bridle when slipping up in a handicap at the same track last week and has a bit to prove now. Alsadaa is the closest to the selection on hurdle ratings and, like Pullyourfingerout, is fit from the Flat. He could also be interesting but may just need the experience today.
Alsadaa (USA) 2-1 (11-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Advisor (11-0) at Kempton 2m n h flat (4) std in Dec.
Helium (FR) 2-1fav (11-0) Pressed leader, led 5th, headed 9th, weakening in 4th when jumped right 3 out, left 3rd last, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 29l behind Dunowen Point (11-6) at Southwell 2m nov chs (4) gd.
Nearby 8-1 (10-10) Mid-division, not fluent 1st, headway after 6th, ridden 3 out, outpaced by leaders next, no extra last, 7th of 9, 19l behind Sanctuaire (10-8) at Ayr 2m Ltd hcp hdl (1) gd in Apr.
Total Victory (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Prominent, slightly slow jump 3 out (normal 5 out), dropped to 5th and no impression into straight, 5th of 11, 10l behind St Devote (11-12) at Tipperary 2m 4f beg chase gd in Jun.
Pullyourfingerout (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Led, strongly pressed and headed after 3 out, soon no extra, weakened early straight, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Grandouet (11-0) at Punchestown 2m 4yo hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in May.
Mayberry 7-2fav (11-4) Held up in 4th, not fluent 5th (water), slipped up on bend after next, in a race won by Lord Jay Jay (11-5) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf, 7 ran.
