led to 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, unseated rider 5th
held up, headway to 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, went 2nd next, not quickened flat
chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leader and keen, weakened 4 out
held up in touch, weakened 6th, not fluent last
held up, headway 6th, led 2 out, driven out
always behind, blundered 8th, never dangerous
It's Bertie can make this a test and he is preferred to Easby Mandarin and American President. Sue Smith's charge has been on the go for a while but he is much better than his recent run at Ayr suggests and can be expected to put his rivals to the sword from the off. Easby Mandarin has poor form figures at first glance but Chris Thornton has booked Barry Keniry for the ride and any market confidence should be noted. American President has shown his form on slightly better going so would not want any overnight rain. His yard have been in good form during the autumn and the 10-year-old is likely to attempt to dispute the lead. Eborarry is in receipt of the four-year-old's allowance although his recent form has not impressed. Water Pistol has squandered easier chances than this. It's Bertie looks to have conditions in his favour and can make his stamina count at this level.
American President (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Led until headed 2nd, chased winner, hit 3 out, ridden and lost 2nd place approaching last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 6, 29l behind Kilmackilloge (11-0) at Kelso 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in Nov.
Arjay 100-1 (11-0) Tracked winner ridden and weakened from 12th, 8th of 13, well behind Some Touch (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd.
Easby Mandarin 7-1 (10-12) Chased leaders close 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Go For One (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs, 7 ran.
It's Bertie 7-2fav (10-10) In touch, pushed along and outpaced 5th, kept on approaching last, 5th of 7, 15l behind Armaguedon (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Le Joyeux (FR) 14-1 (10-13) In touch, ridden after 9th, weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 14, 28l behind Blaeberry (11-12) at Exeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Oct.
Shady Merlin (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Prominent until outpaced 10th, 4th of 7, 18l behind Go For One (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs.
Eborarry (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Soon towards rear, no chance when blundered 2 out and pulled up at the last in race won by Archie Babe (11-4) at Hexham 2m beg chs (4) hvy, 9 ran.
Water Pistol 50-1 (9-8) Behind when unseated rider at the 12th in race won by Ferimon (11-2) at Huntingdon 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs, 17 ran.
