tracked leader, led 8th, ridden clear from 3 out
always behind, hit 9th, soon weakened, pulled up after 4 out
led, hit 3rd, headed 8th, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, hit 7th, outpaced next, chased winner and hit 3 out, no impression
held up in touch, not fluent and weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, hit 6th and 9th, chased winner 4 out until next, kept on same pace
Master Papa,Salhood and Stan are three against the field in another tough race to call for punters and the vote is given to Salhood The selection was a fair third behind Sporazene last time out, that form looks rock solid in the context of this race and under similar conditions here he will be hard to beat. Masta Papa rates the main danger as he won well last time when beating Supreme Tadgh but that form has since been let down and he is taken on with this in mind. Stan was a fair third behind Iron Man last time out and sure to strip fitter here and with his yard in form he should be noted in the market.Of the remainder Roman Ark is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he looks weighted up to his best and with this in mind for the winner we return to Salhood.
Roman Ark 7-4 (11-5) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 4 out, hung left from next, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Launde (11-9) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Stan (NZ) 10-3 (11-7) Held up, headway to go prominent 7th, chased winner 3 out until weakened after last, 3rd of 8, 18l behind Iron Man (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
Be My Better Half (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Mid-division, blundered 6th, ridden next, never dangerous, 14th of 20, well behind I Hear Thunder (11-2) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Haggle Twins (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Raced mainly moderate 6th, closed into 4th 3 out, 3rd approaching next, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from before last, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Rog (9-10) at Tramore 2m 6f hcp chs 0-123 gd in Aug.
Master Papa (IRE) 10-3 (10-11) Tracked leaders and keen, led 3 out, challenged when left clear last, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov beating Supreme Tadgh (10-12) by 4l, 6 ran.
Salhood 10-1 (11-0) Chased winner to 3rd, close up until outpaced 8th, went poor 3rd next, 3rd of 4, 20l behind Sporazene (11-0) at Kempton 2m chs (3) gd in Nov.
