chased leaders until weakened 4 out, soon behind
in touch, mistake and reminders 6th, outpaced next, weakened 3 out
held up, steady headway 4 out, no impression from 2 out
held up behind, struggling 4 out, never on terms
chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, soon beaten, no chance when blundered last
in touch, effort 4 out to next, soon outpaced, ridden and rallied to chase winner flat, no impression
raced keenly, held up and not fluent in rear, headway and in touch 4 out, went 2nd next, led last, driven out
led to last, ridden and one pace flat
Palomar won easily last time and able to race off the same mark here before a 13lb rise in the future, he is the confident selection. Nicky Richards' gelding was classy on the flat but had proven to be disappointing over hurdles until coming good last time out on his handicap debut. He travelled well before cruising to victory and if in the same frame of mind today, then he must prove hard to beat. Kristiansand has plenty of experience over hurdles and has claims, although he looks high enough in the weights at present. Seeyaj is back on a winning mark now returning to hurdles and has claims, whilst Front Rank and Shares both have winning course form to their names. Charlotte Vale is of interest as he won't mind any further rain, whilst Wally Wonder represents a stable in form and must be respected. Ballyan refused to race in first time blinkers last time, and now tries cheek-pieces but he is no betting proposition as things stand. Buffy is high enough in the handicap at present following some good runs earlier in the year, however we will return to Palomar to saunter to victory.
Front Rank (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) With leader, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, 8th of 9, 12l behind Heavenly Chorus (9-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Charlotte Vale 11-1 (10-11) Mid-division, effort 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied to chase winner approaching last, kept on flat, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Lennon (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Apr.
Shares (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up, headway to chase leaders 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Lofty Leader (9-9) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in May.
Balyan (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) refused to race in race won by Along The Nile (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gf, 14 ran.
Kristiansand 16-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden after 4 out, kept on from next, 5th of 12, 8l behind Culcabock (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Wally Wonder (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Behind, struggling 9th, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 35l behind Oniz Tiptoes (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Seeyaaj 10-1 (10-3) Mid-division, blundered 5th, soon weakened, 7th of 16, 27l behind Kilmackilloge (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Palomar (USA) 15-2 (11-2) Held up, smooth headway after 3 out, led approaching next, clear approaching last, easily, won at Bangor 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs beating Mister Fizzbomb (10-5) by 5l, 12 ran.
Buffy 11-2 (10-7) In touch, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, last of 13, 39l behind dhtrs Go Figure (10-3) & Gold Gun (10-8) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Jul.
