led to 17th, ridden and disputing second 2 out, one pace from last
held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on to lead post
held up, headway to chase leaders 14th, lead 17th, caught post
held up, in 6th and in touch when blundered and unseated rider 16th
chased leaders, weakened 18th
with leader, not fluent 2nd, ridden approaching 16th, outpaced approaching 3 out
held up in touch, took close order 13th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
held up mid divison and not fluent, struggling half way, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
Nonrunner
Stamina is clearly the key here and plenty of these have it in abundance with the pick being Good Book who gets the vote ahead of Bannister Lane and Keenan's Future. Good Book is a lightly raced gelding who was last seen out when winning a marathon event at Warwick in March. A 10lb rise will make this tougher, but this nine-year-old has had only seven career starts, so is arguably open to improvement, plus he has enjoyed two wins when fresh on both occasions. There is a slight question mark over the ground, but as long as it doesn't get too soft he looks the one to be with. Bannister Lane is a thorough stayer who does act with cut and there is no reason why he can't go close, though he does just look to be held by the handicapper. The same can be said of Keenan's Future who is still 6lbs higher than when winning on similar ground at Newton Abbot in July. Sharp Jack is an inconsistent sort who does stay but also looks to have too much on his back and Moustique De L'Isle could be the biggest danger after slipping back to the mark he won from here 14 months ago. With going to suit he can get heavily involved but preference is for Good Book who may be capable of improvement.
Bannister Lane 40-1 (11-0) Blundered 1st, chased leaders, mistake 8th, kept on last, no impression, 3rd of 22, 14l behind Lampion Du Bost (9-11) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Keenan's Future (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 13, 13l behind Delray Beach (10-6) at Hexham 4m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Sharp Jack (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Always behind, tailed off, 8th of 12, 39l behind Cruising River (11-5) at Ascot 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Super Judge (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden 4 out, staying on when hampered and unseated rider 2 out in race won by Ferimon (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov, 11 ran.
Good Book (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Prominent, led 4th, hit 18th, ridden clear approaching 2 out, ridden out, won at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar beating Grenfell (10-13) by 7l, 9 ran.
Moustique de L'Isle (FR) 9-4 (11-1) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened, 4th of 5, 20l behind Molostiep (10-2) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Desperate Dex (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, reminders, struggling halfway, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Pass It On (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Willie John Daly (IRE) 40-1 (10-8) Held up in touch, lost place before 7th, under pressure after 9th, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, 44l behind Mighty Matters (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Gatsby (IRE) 28-1 (10-2) Towards rear, struggling 14th, tailed off when pulled up at the 19th in race won by Naunton Brook (10-5) at Hexham 4m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov '06, 12 ran.
