led, hit 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out, headed flat, kept on, no extra
always towards rear
mid-division, headway after 6th, went third approaching 2 out, soon ridden, held when hit last
chased leaders until outpaced 3 out, stayed on again approaching last
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
awkward early, tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led flat, driven out
raced keenly in touch until weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, ridden after 3 out, soon one pace
always in rear, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace from next
held up towards rear, some progress under pressure after 3 out, weakened approaching last
The stronger of the Paul Nicholls-trained pair for the two divisions of this novices¿ hurdle goes here and OUR BOMBER HARRIS looks like being able to outpoint Tullamore Dew. The Saddlers' Hall gelding was resolute when winning a Uttoxeter bumper with cut in the ground a couple of months ago and with Ruby Walsh getting the leg-up today there is a suggestion of intent from the Ditcheat team. There is no question he will have been well schooled for this and we are happy to give him the vote. Tullamore Dew has to shoulder a penalty courtesy of a fast ground Plumpton win in October. He was highly tried at Sandown last time but did not hit the mark and although this is much easier he may still find the extra 7lbs a burden too great to successfully bear. Highest Esteem is an interesting newcomer from a yard with a good strike rate here. The four-year-old won twice on the Polytrack over 11 and 12 furlongs last year and is rated in the mid-60s on the level. He has to prove he handles conditions as soft as this, but he should have stamina in abundance and is much respected. Morning Heights is going the right way but perhaps not quickly enough to land this prize today, and in any case his yard is a little off colour, while Ashleys Petale gets the mares allowance and has won a bumper here over this trip, so she could get involved. Our Bomber Harris has the right ammunition to win this battle.
Tullamore Dew (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Always in rear, hit 3 out and struggling after, 6th of 7, 28l behind Junior (11-0) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs.
Bertenbar 66-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, 14th of 18, 33l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Highest Esteem 10-3 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 10, 7l behind Weybridge Light (8-10) at Great Leighs 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol (Flat).
Lennox Gardens 14-1 (10-12) Keen hold, in touch, ridden 7th, soon struggling, tailed off, 5th of 8, 49l behind Little Josh (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Morning Heights (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Behind, headway from 3 out, stayed on, passed weakening rivals, 5th of 12, 15l behind Bergo (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Oct.
Our Bomber Harris 9-4fav (10-13) Pulled hard, always prominent, led over 1f out, soon edged left, edged right towards finish, ran on, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Oct beating Noble Aran (11-4) by 2l, 15 ran.
Pete The Feat (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always in rear, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Alderluck (10-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov, 11 ran.
Swainson (USA) 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 4th, ridden after 5th, weakened before next, 5th of 16, well behind Belcantista (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
The Little Chancer (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Not fluent 5th, always towards rear, 7th of 8, 46l behind No Panic (11-0) at N Abbot 2m 3f nh mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Ashleys Petale (IRE) 9-1 (10-3) Held up in touch, led approaching 5th, headed approaching and not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 13l behind Divali Princess (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Compleat Artist (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Always in rear, well beaten 2 out, last of 10, well behind Cabinet Minister (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft.
