tracked leader, lost place before 7th, soon struggling, weakened before 3 out, tailed off
held up in rear, struggling 6th, never dangerous, tailed off
held up early, disputed 2nd before 5th, tracked leader 7th, led approaching 2 out, stayed on well
led and clear to 7th, headed approaching 2 out, ridden and outpaced between last 2, no impression with winner in clear 2nd before last
held up in touch, went 3rd 4 out, outpaced before next, no chance with front pair
Clondaw Hero's recent form figures don't inspire confidence and it's anyone's guess which version of the McCain novice turns up. The application of first-time blinkers is no surprise and it will be fascinating to witness their effect. Harrys Whim and Merry Minster are limited so IMJOEKING is the choice, especially in receipt of 7lb from the penalised McCain inmate. He hasn't been as impressive in four starts over fences as was anticipated but Lucinda Russell has given him a good rest and hopefully he'll come back a stronger horse and start to realise his potential.
Clondaw Hero (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Led to 6th, tracked leader until 7th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Top Wood (10-12) at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (4) gd in May, 6 ran.
Dun Faw Good 5-4 (12-0) Prom til blun 11; pu 14, in a race won by Steel Law (12-0) at Cumberland 3m ptp sft in May, 6 ran.
Imjoeking (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Held up behind, headway 7th, 4th when blundered next, effort approaching bypassed 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, weakened last, 4th of 7, 19l behind Jet Master (11-10) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Mar.
Harrys Whim 20-1 (11-12) With leader, led 2nd, driven and headed between last 2, soon ridden, kept on same pace in 3rd flat, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Morning Time (11-7) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd.
Merry Minster 20-1 (10-10) In rear, headway before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, hit 2 out and beaten after, 6th of 10, 34l behind Teenage Dream (11-4) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in May.
