chased leader, led on 8th, quickened clear approaching 2 out, very easily
mid-division, ridden and headway 7th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
prominent, chased leaders 5th, led 7th, ridden and headed 8th, one pace and held when carried left from last
pulled early in mid-division, ridden 6th, soon weakened
pulled early, prominent, lost place 5th, shaken up and headway 6th, 3rd and held when jumped left 2 out and last, veered badly left close home
led to 7th, soon ridden and weakened
pulled up, mid-division, weakened 4th, mistake 5th, pulled up after 8th
always towards rear, weakened 7th, behind after
pulled early in mid-division, ridden 7th, soon weakened
in touch, chased leaders 4th, ridden and weakened after
dwelt start and soon behind, mistake 3rd and 4th, tailed off from 6th
Prince De Bersy went down fighting last time out at Huntingdon and whilst he should again run well, it is Ask Oscar who is taken to get off the mark ahead of Arafan, Mister Gloss and Gaelic Present. The selection has only had one start over hurdles when he was still in with every chance when falling at Stratford. He had previously been second in a point-to-point and having shown us that he has ability, it may be that he can at least run into a place against some horses representing bigger stables. One such horse is Mister Gloss who is a winning pointer and should go well as fitness is not normally an issue for returning horses form the stable, whilst Gaelic Present also comes from the pointing sphere and this son of Presenting warrants respect. Prince De Bersy comes here race-fit but was possibly found out by his penalty when finishing second at Huntingdon. He may not have been helped by a heavy downpour on that occasion and if the ground remains quick he mustn't be ruled out. At a price Arafan could run well as he has shown ability to date for the 'Doctor', however he is yet to win in plenty of starts both here and in Ireland and so we will pass him over and side with Ask Oscar to land the opener.
Prince De Bersy (FR) 13-8fav (11-5) Tracked leader, led approaching 6th, hit 3 out, not fluent last, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, hd behind Calusa Caldera (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Arafan (IRE) 5-1jt-fav (11-5) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 7th of 16, 11l behind Gus (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Sept.
Ask Oscar (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Held up, headway halfway, chasing leaders when fell 5 out in race won by Toni Alcala (11-5) at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gf in Sept, 11 ran.
Blues Story (FR) 66-1 (10-5) Tailed off halfway, 10th of 11, well behind Critical Stage (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 1f clm hdl (5) gf in Aug '06.
Gaelic Present (IRE) 11-8fav (11-7) Held up; hdwy 8; led app 2 out; hdd & mist last; no ex, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Rogue River (12-0) at Littlewindsor 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Mariday 14-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 11th of 15, 31l behind Bamby (10-8) at Perth 2m 4f sll hcp hdl (5) gd in Jul.
Mr Woodrow Thowra gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Mr Woodland.
River Fields 33-1 (12-0) Nvr beyond midfield; mist 12; pulled up in race won by Flying Fuselier (12-0) at Holnicote 3m ptp gd in May, 10 ran.
The Well Of Dreams (IRE) 33-1 (12-0) T.o & pulled up in race won by Baron Steane (12-0) at Tweseldown 3m ptp gd in Feb, 13 ran.
Missy Moscow (IRE) 9-1 (9-10) Mid-division, took closer order 6th, weakened approaching 14th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Alcatras (10-7) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf, 11 ran.
Mrs Tweedy (IRE) 150-1 (9-11) Held up rear, reminder 3rd, lost touch from 4th, 11th of 14, well behind Gentle John (11-3) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Mister Gloss (IRE) 6-4fav (12-0) won at Killeagh 3m ire ptp sft in Jan beating According To Eight (12-0) by 6l, 15 ran.
Fort Of Gold (IRE) (12-0) 2nd of 14, hd behind Sir Peugeot (12-0) at Kildorrery 3m ire ptp sft in Feb.