always behind, struggling 4 out, pulled up before next
led, ridden and headed approaching last, soon no extra
tracked leader outpaced 3 out, no danger after
always towards rear, never troubled leaders
tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching last, held on gamely towards finish
mid-division, outpaced approaching 2 out, no danger after
mid-division, not fluent, stayed on from last, never nearer
always behind, never on terms
mid-division, headway halfway, every chance running, no extra close home
Nonrunner
Another handicap and another strong selection this time landing in the saddle of I'M YOUR MAN instead of Trafalgar Man, Falcon's Tribute or Longdale. The selection is a dual winner at this track including last time out over this trip. That was an eight length victory over the re-opposing Trafalgar Man but despite being up eights pounds in the weights for that success this mark should be well within his scope. Trafalgar Man has a eight pound swing coming his way with the selection after that last meeting but while he should be closer he looks to be found wanting again. Falcon's Tribute was a place further back in third behind the pick last time out and he might be better placed to take advantage of the changing terms as he goes better in these quicker conditions. Longdale is now back to racing off his last winning mark so should be entered into our thinking but his form in selling company recently leaves a nagging doubt so for this race we prefer I'm Your Man.
Blast The Past 15-2 (11-8) In touch, raced keenly, close up when mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 9, 14l behind Miss Pross (11-11) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Northern Quest (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Held up in touch, headway and close up 3 out, ridden and one pace when 2 lengths down in 3rd place when slipped and fell 2 out, in a race won by Justwhateverulike (10-9) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May '08, 9 ran.
I'm Your Man 15-2 (11-6) Prominent, led approaching last, ridden out, won at Hexham 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd beating Trafalgar Man (11-6) by 8l, 12 ran.
Chigorin 8-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, led 6th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 7, 32l behind Glimmer of Light (10-4) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Trafalgar Man (IRE) 17-2 (11-6) Led to 5th, led again 8th, headed approahing 3 out, kept on one pace flat, 2nd of 12, 8l behind I'm Your Man (11-6) at Hexham 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd.
Falcon's Tribute (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) In touch, headway to lead approaching 3 out, headed approaching last, rider lost whip and one pace flat, 3rd of 12, 9l behind I'm Your Man (11-6) at Hexham 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd.
Longdale 4-1fav (11-12) Held up, headway 3 out, one pace from next, 4th of 14, 12l behind Mystified (11-3) at Cartmel 2m 1f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs.
Commanche Topgun (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place 6th, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Orpen Wide (11-9) at Sedgefield 2m noc chs (4) gf in Sep, 12 ran.
Fred Bojangals (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, effort between last 2, no extra flat, 5th of 12, 9l behind I'm Your Man (11-6) at Hexham 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd.
Smart Cavalier 22-1 (11-1) Held up, lost place 4 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace flat, 4th of 7, 14l behind Hollows Mill (9-11) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
