prominent chasing group, took closer order 5th, led after 12th, driven 2 lengths clear before last, soon ridden, tired and headed inside final 110 yards
prominent chasing group, close up 5th, 4th and outpaced when blundered 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
in touch chasing group, close up 5th, went 3rd before 3 out, outpaced next, ridden and no chance with clear pair before last, plugged on
in touch chasing group, close up 5th, challenged 12th, ridden and outpaced after 2 out, 2 lengths down before last, stayed on well to lead inside final 110 yards
led, clear to 5th, headed after 12th, weakened from 3 out, tailed off
behind, struggling 12th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out
always in rear, lot touch 9th, pulled up before 11th
NonRunner
Nicky Richards has booked Brian Hughes to partner his winning pointer Glittering Love on his first try over fences under Rules but he’s up against a couple of recent winners in WELL ABOVE PAR and Calivigny. Lucinda Russell’s top weight was impressive over course and distance last week and still looks well treated under his penalty so gets the nod. It’s difficult to make a case for many of the others.
Well Above Par (IRE) 9-2 (12-3) Made all, jumped well, drew clear after 2 out, easily, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Royal Salute (11-12) by 13l, 9 ran.
Emerald Chieftan (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Led, driven and headed after 3 out, weakened between last 2, lost modest 4th towards finish, 5th of 9, 15 3/4l behind Ballymagroarty Boy (11-12) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Outnumbered (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) In rear, tailed off 10th, pulled up 5 out, at Wetherby 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Glittering Love (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Mid-division, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 9, 22 3/4l behind Just Bobby (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) hvy in Apr.
Grimthorpe 100-1 (10-7) Always behind, 13th of 16, dist behind Oregon Gold (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Dec.
Court Painter (IRE) 40-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, under pressure 10th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 9, 36l behind Well Above Par (12-3) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Scorpo (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) In touch, slow 8th, rider lost irons when blundered 5 out, driven forward until weakened an pulled up before 3 out, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Calivigny (IRE) 15-8fav (10-3) Tracked leaders, driven after 5 out, ridden to chase clear pair after 3 out, still plenty to do last, rallied flat, led final strides, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Dec beating Instingtive (10-0) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
