led to 6th, mistake 10 out and soon lost place, headway to chase leaders before 4 out, led 4 out, ridden and headed before last, kept on and held run-in
chased leaders, went 2nd from 10 out, ridden and weakened before 3 out
chased leaders, lost place 10 out, tailed off and pulled up before 5 out
chased leader, led 6th, headed 4 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened
in touch and towards rear, challenged 3 out, led before last, kept on well
in rear, ridden before 3 out, weakened next
A good run from Total Assets earlier on the card would boost confidence in Present Flight, who found only the former too good at Kelso last time. But LORD WISHES made all when scoring by a wide margin on the same card at Kelso last month and James Ewart's charge is taken to shrug off a 7lb rise in the weights. Central Flame has won three of six starts over hurdles though has yet to figure over fences and Special Catch makes more appeal on his recent second over 2m here. Hexham chase winner Tikkandemickey failed to cope with a 10lb rise last time and Spanish Fleet makes his debut over fences.
Central Flame 33-1 (11-0) Tracked winner until before 5th, outpaced before 4 out, went 3rd after last, one pace, 3rd of 4, 14l behind L'Ami Serge (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
Spanish Fleet 25-1 (11-6) Held up mid-division, pushed along and weakened after 3 out, 8th of 10, dist behind One For Harry (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Lord Wishes (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Made all, jumped well, drew clear approaching 2 out, very easily, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Kilbree Chief (11-7) by 11l, 7 ran.
Tikkandemickey (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) Held up in touch, hit 12th, pressed leader when hit 16th, disputed lead next, led 19th, ridden and headed between last 2, weakened last, 3rd of 8, dist behind Neptune Equester (11-7) at Kelso 4m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Special Catch (IRE) 11-8jfav (10-13) Chased leaders, went 3rd at 6th, 2nd 4 out, ridden and no impression before 2 out, kept on for clear 2nd, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Got The Nac (10-13) at Newcastle 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Present Flight (IRE) 10-3fav (11-9) Held up in rear but in touch, slow 12th, headway to chase leaders 4 out, every chance 2 out, hung left approaching last, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Total Assets (10-12) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
