jumped poorly and always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 5 out
chased leaders on inside, pushed along after 17th, weakened 4 out
led until 3rd, chased leader until 7th, chased leaders, lost place 15th, plugged on again from 3 out
chased led 3rd until 9th, chased leader, in front again after 11th until 17th, chased winner well held
chased leaders on outside, weakened 15th
mid-division on outside, mistake 9th, outpaced 5 out, headway 3 out, plugged on into 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
chased leaders, blundered 13th, weakened after 16th, tailed off and pulled up before 5 out
never fluent and always behind
held up towards rear, headway chasing leaders 13th, hit 17th, ridden before 5 out, weakened soon after
mid-division, headway chasing leaders before 10th, led after next until 17th where mistake, chased leaders, weakened last
chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, led next until after 11th, in front again 17th, made rest, not fluent and came clear 2 out, easily
mistakes in rear, ridden and struggling after 12th, never a factor, tailed off
More than half of this field have chasing experience but there are at least a couple who could figure if taking to the larger obstacles. Shamilan is one having placed three times over hurdles. Apollo Creed has a lengthy absence to overcome but should enjoy the switch to fences. Monbeg Aquadude has had wind surgery since disappointing at Ffos Las just under a year ago and is capable of better. Len Brennan was unlucky not to win last season and was clear of the rest when second to a previous winner in a novice hurdle at Southwell on his return to action. CHRISTMAS IN APRIL still has to prove his stamina over this sort of trip but he boasts the best form on offer so we’ll take a chance that he lasts home on his first run since April.
Carnspindle (IRE) 20-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders on outer, pecked at 1st, dropped to mid-division at halfway, no impression from 4 out, 6th of 15, 31l behind Moyhenna (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in May.
Ballymagroarty Boy (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) In touch, headway 4 out, chased winner next, ridden and every chance when blundered last, driven out, just held, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Steel Bob (11-1) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Shamilan (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Chased leaders in 3rd on outside, ridden before 3 out, kept on towards finish, never able to challenge, 3rd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Fortified Bay (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f mdn (5) gd in May.
Len Brennan (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Led, ridden after 2 out, joined last, headed and one pace run-in, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Diomede des Mottes (11-5) at Southwell 3m (4) sft in Oct.
Another Emotion (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, led 5th until after 3 out, ridden and weakened before next, 7th of 16, 29l behind Worthy Farm (11-10) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Christmas In April (FR) 15-8fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along from 9th, ridden and outpaced in 4th after 5 out, rallied into 3rd flat, finished strongly towards finish, just failed, 3rd of 7, nk behind Imada (10-12) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Apollo Creed (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Held up towards rear, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 22l behind My Old Gold (10-13) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (3) sft in Apr.
Monbeg Aquadude (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, 8th of 10, dist behind Air Navigator (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Blazing Tom 28-1 (10-12) Led to 2 out (usual 4 out), pressed winner, driven and readily outpaced by front pair after omitted 2 out, no chance after, last of 3, 16l behind Braid Blue (11-12) at Ffos Las 3m (4) gd in Jul.
Rizzardo 7-1 (11-8) Held up in 4th, ridden before 3 out, no impression weakened after 2 out, 5th of 6, 32 1/2l behind Maire Banrigh (12-6) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
La Cavsa Nostra (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Led and set steady pace, led until 9th, chased winner until mistake next, soon beaten, blundered 2 out, last of 3, dist behind Whatswrongwithyou (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f (3) gs in Feb.
Bellamy's Grey 50-1 (11-0) Never travelled and behind, plugged on past beaten horses, 6th of 10, dist behind Geordie B (11-6) at Exeter 2m 7f (4) sft in Mar.
