tracked leader, close up when mistake 4 out, lost place and plugged on
in touch, closer order 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up, headway 12th, challenging winner when pecked 3 out, weakened last
always behind, pulled up before 13th
towards rear, hampered 3rd, pulled up after 9th
tracked leaders, hit 9th, weakened 15th
made all, joined 3 out, kept on but edged right flat
held up, ridden and weakened 11th, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, mistake and fell 3rd
Grenfell, Garston Star and Nostringsattached appear the most likely winners of this intriguing race and on this occasion we stick with Grenfell. A recent outing should have put this out-and-out stayer spot on for this engagement and with softer going likely, his formbook claims appear to be solid. Garston Star was well supported at Stratford on his most recent outing. The Plumpton scorer has a bit to do but is at least consistent. The combination of Tony McCoy and Jonjo O'Neill are sure to have their supporters with Nostringsattached. His form on good ground is adequate but there are questionmarks on this surface. English Jim is an out-and-out staying hurdler. He appeared progressive last term although recent outings have not shown too much sparkle. Iberton hadn't shown too much over hurdles but Robert Alner's horses are invariably aimed at steeplechasing so the market is watched. Leonardo's Friend stays three miles and is another to make a chasing debut. Grenfell has few problems with trip and going and can oblige in a race that should throw up plenty of future winners.
Garston Star 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, under pressure 4 out, soon no impression, 5th of 14, 7l behind Left Hand Drive (10-7) at Stratford 2m 4f beg chs (3) gd in Sept.
Nostringsattached (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Led, went clear from 7th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened and hung left after last, 7th of 16, 13l behind El Bandindos (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
Grenfell (IRE) 6-4fav (10-10) Mid-division, headway 8th, ridden 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, edged left and no extra flat, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Jim Edwards (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Sept.
Sintos 12-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden and lost place before 5th, tailed off when pulled up at the 7th in race won by Ricardo's Chance (11-4) at Worcester 3m cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in Apr, 14 ran.
English Jim (IRE) 11-1 (11-8) In touch, ridden and weakened 8th, 8th of 13, well behind Herecomestanley (11-6) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Sept.
Ibberton 20-1 (11-1) In touch until 7th, soon weakened, 7th of 17, 40l behind Otantique (11-5) at Exeter 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Mar.
Junctiontwentyfour 11-1 (10-8) Tracked leader, led 5th until blundered and headed 10th, chased winner to 3 out, soon beaten, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Secret Glen (10-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Sept.
A Sea Commander (GER) 28-1 (11-7) In touch, hit 6th, weakened 8th, 15th of 16, well behind Westfield Dancer (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
Leonardo's Friend 4-1fav (11-3) Prominent, ridden to lead 7th, headed approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 6l behind Armoury House (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in Sept.
