mid-division until ridden and weakened 4 out
always behind, blundered and lost touch from next
tracked winner, weakened from 11th, behind and pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, close up when blundered 5 out, ridden and one pace from 4 out
made all, ridden 3 out, kept on well
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened from next
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, ridden from 4 out, gradually weakened
mid-division, close up 3 out, soon ridden, blundered next, gradually weakened
always behind, lost touch from 9th, pulled up before 4 out
always behind, lost touch from 9th
Nonrunner
A chance is taken with HERNANDO'S BOY, who was a fair hurdler and brings solid form to the table. Andijan and Laborec are others worth noting in the build up, while Mat Hill showed ability in Irish points and is an obvious one to monitor for signs of a betting coup taking place. The last named has a useful claimer booked for the ride and it will be interesting to see how they get on today. Laborec held Guns And Butter from a previous encounter over timber at this track but lacks experience of the chasing game. Still, this is all about learning his trade and It is safe to say Howard Johnson will have him tuned up for the appearance. The gelding can go close if he takes to these easy fences. Andijan has won over hurdles and appears to be adapting his game to chasing. The ground has to be a concern for him, though. And he would not want it too soft underfoot. Therefore, it can pay to jump ship and side with Hernando's Boy, who acts on any going and is sure to be sharper for his chasing debut at Sedgefield last month. Keith Reveley appears to be turning the corner with his string and the Redcar-based handler can gain a nice little fillip (at a nice price) if all goes to plan here.
Andijan (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Held up, hampered 1st, headway when hit 4 out, one pace after, 6th of 11, 19l behind Mill Side (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
Aston Lad 20-1 (10-0) Held up, headway 7th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 27l behind Nycteos (10-10) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan.
Ben Tirran 16-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, reminders 5th, lost place approaching 3 out, soon weakened, last of 6, 36l behind Golden Snoopy (9-9) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hcp hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Guns And Butter (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Held up in touch, hit 9th, weakened next, 6th of 10, 32l behind Dan Buoy (11-1) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Hernando's Boy 14-1 (10-12) In touch on outside, outpaced 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 11, 27l behind Cast Iron Casey (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
High Bird Humphrey 20-1 (11-8) fell at the 2nd in race won by Rustarix (11-12) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs, 10 ran.
Laborec (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Led until after 1st, remained close up until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 6th of 13, 31l behind Ouzbeck (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Mat Hill (IRE) (12-0) 3rd of 11, 11l behind Meanus Dandy (12-0) at Summerhill 3m ire ptp gs in Apr.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 7-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders and keen, joined winner 5 out, head last and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Will Be Done (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft.
Sadler's Cove (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Never a factor, tailed off, 8th of 14, well behind Theicecreamfellow (11-2) at Downpatrick 2m 2f nov hcp hdl gs in Mar.
Pendle Forest (IRE) 14-1 (10-8) Mid-division on outside, good headway and in touch 7th, weakened 3 out, last of 12, 29l behind Kings Maiden (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Anglicisme (FR) 25-1 (10-13) Mid-division, behind from 5th, 12th of 17, 43l behind The Polomoche (11-12) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Oct.
Rookery Rebel (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Chased leader, led 3rd, headed 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 14, 26l behind Dzesmin (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
