tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, 4th last, went 3rd flat, no impression on front pair
held up in rear, effort after 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up towards rear, headway 2 out, not pace of leaders before last, went 4th towards finish
tracked leader, led approaching last, headed flat, stayed on, held by winner towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, fading when stumbled last, weakened flat
led, ridden and headed approaching last where not fluent, weakened flat
held up rear of mid-division, hit 2 out, headway approaching last, challenging at hurdle, led flat, driven out
in touch, outpaced after 2 out, soon weakened
held up in last, took keen hold, weakened after 2 out
mid-division, not fluent 1st, headway 5th, one pace when mistake last, weakened flat
David Pipe won this a year ago with Ashkazar and could have a live one on his hands with AMERICAN ART. A useful performer on the Flat, he landed a novice hurdle at Cartmel for Venetia Williams on his only start over timber almost two years ago and makes his debut for a new yard on what could prove to be a lowly mark. Falcon Island gained his first success in 11 starts over timber at Stratford but is better judged on his previous four-length defeat by Saturday's Aintree winner Topolski at Newton Abbot. He's an obvious threat as is Gilded Age, who didn't get the clearest of runs when narrowly beaten at Taunton. Owen Glendower has been very highly tried after his two victories in October and enters the argument despite a big weight.
Owen Glendower (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Towards rear, ridden in mid-division after 3 out, soon beaten, tailed off, 9th of 17, 39l behind Skint (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4-7yo) (1) gd in Mar.
Gloucester 66-1 (9-12) Behind, headway into mid-division 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last, never on terms, 10th of 26, 6l behind Final Approach (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl G3 (1) gd in Mar.
Forty Thirty (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Always behind, ridden and struggling before 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 12, 35l behind Tocca Ferro (10-13) at Newbury 2m Listed hcap hdle (1) gs in Nov.
Salontyre (GER) 4-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, ridden and every chance last, stayed on same pace flat, joined for 3rd post, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Advancement (11-9) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Mar.
Gilded Age 2-1fav (11-12) Raced on inside, chased leading trio, went 3rd 6th, blundered hit wing and lost place 3 out, rallied before 2 out, ridden to challenge between horses last, stayed on under pressure flat, joined 3rd post, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Advancement (11-9) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Mar.
Falcon Island 11-4fav (10-13) Led 1st, headed 4th, led next, not fluent 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on, won at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd beating Grandads Horse (10-13) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
Paintball (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, challenged after 4th, hit next, every chance 3 out, no extra approaching last, 9th of 23, 15l behind What A Charm (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m 4yo nov hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Mar.
Celticello (IRE) 5-4fav (11-2) Held up in touch, chased leaders after 3 out, hard driven to challenge approaching last, stayed on well, not pace of winner, 2nd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Sole Bonne Femme (10-7) at Fakenham 2m sell hdl (5) gd in Mar.
Marleno (GER) 7-1 (11-8) Held up well in rear in last, steady headway approaching 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, challenging when hit last, stayed on same pace flat, no impression, 2nd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Be My Light (10-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Robain (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Raced in mid-division, losing place when blundered and behind from 4th, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Balerina (10-2) at Kempton 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gs in Feb.
American Art (IRE) 4-1 (10-7) Towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to lead last, stayed on well, won at Cartmel 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in May '09 beating Dantari (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
