held up in 3rd, chased leader approaching 3 out, soon pushed along, led 2 out, hung right run-in, driven out
led, blundered 10th, stumbled badly and headed 2 out, switched left run-in and rallied, held near finish
chased leader, joined leader approaching 9th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
This has cut up badly, with just three left in, and in truth in what looks a match on paper, Itsmyboy is selected to beat Oniz Tiptoes. The prospect of testing conditions has no doubt caused the mass defections, and that means that connections of Itsmyboy will be confident that they can collect here. The seven-year-old was a tricky customer over hurdles, but Timmy Murphy was successful on him in that sphere, and certainly knew what to expect when asked to partner the gelding over fences. Murphy has been the master both times now, at Hexham and Worcester, and as long as he can keep his mount interested today, looks set to ride him to victory for a third successive time. Dual Sedgefield scorer Oniz Tiptoes was rated well inferior to the selection over timber, and although he has improved, will find it difficult to come out on top at the weights. Roaringwater is there in case of a mishap, but as long as he keeps his concentration, Itsmyboy should pass the post first again.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 5-4fav (11-6) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, joined leader next, ridden to lead after last, ridden out, won at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (4) gf in May beating Lord Rosskit (11-6) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Led to 4th, tracked leader, led again 8th, ridden 4 lengths clear last, held on towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) gf beating Litron (11-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Roaringwater (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Led to 7th, weakened 3 out, 9th of 11, 19l behind Nelson's Spice (11-4) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
