behind, headway 12th, ridden 2 out, no extra towards finish
tracked leaders, not much room after 11th, weakened next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace flat
prominent, led 8th to 11th, blundered 12th, soon behind
led to 8th, blundered 12th, weakened quickly, towards rear when fell 13th
mid-division, ridden and lost place after 7th, soon behind
always behind
mid-division, headway 9th, ridden after 3 out, kept on flat
in touch, led 11th, ridden 2 out, ran on and edged right towards finish
always behind, tailed off when mistake 14th, pulled up before 2 out
hampered 13th, always behind
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, stayed on well flat
mid-division, headway 12th, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and switched left after 2 out, every chance last, ran on
behind, mistake 3rd, effort 7th, weakened 9th
towards rear, headway 12th, weakened 2 out
Nonrunner
A well contested opener with sixteen runners but serious contenders can be short listed to Mister Club Royal, Sporting Chance, Scotmail Lad and Redbrook Lad with the vote going to the last named. This ten year old has been running well all year winning well on his last two outings at Wincanton when sent off favourite over a similar trip and last time out at Newbury when beating a strong field. His enthusiasm seems to have been rekindled and looks set to score again. Of his rivals Mister Club Royal could prove the biggest danger after finishing second in a decent point to point came good at Taunton on his latest start over three miles. This shorter trip wont prove a problem as the stiffer track will compensate. Sporting Chance will need to improve his jumping and is getting on in years as is Scotmail Lad who was a winner in an open point to point last time out but his form under rules has deteriorated of late and is probably best watched. So for the winner we return to Redbrook Lad.
Red Brook Lad 6-1 Held up behind, headway approaching 14th, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on, won at Newbury 2m 6f hts chs (H) gs beating Silver Castle by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Mister Club Royal 25-1 Held up toward rear, led 10th, ridden after 4 out, hit last, ran on gamely, won at Taunton 3m hts chs (H) gf beating Petolinski by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Let's Fly (FR) 11-1 Tracked leaders, blundered 4 out, soon chasing clear pair and weakened, 3rd of 12, 15l behind Sir d'Orton at Taunton 3m hts chs (H) gf.
Mighty Montefalco 5-4fav won at Garthorpe 3m ptp gd beating Commanche Hero by 10l, 8 ran.
Minella Silver (IRE) 15-2 Led, headed 3rd, stayed prominent, ridden 3 out, disputed lead 2 out, no extra, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Red Brook Lad at Newbury 2m 6f hts chs (H) gs.
Scotmail Lad (IRE) 3-1 3rd of 7, 18l behind Shackleton at Mordon 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Imago II (FR) 12-1 Held up, headway 5th, ridden after 4 out, weakened next, 3rd of 16, 14l behind Hot Plunge at Hereford 2m hts chs (H) gf in Mar.
