led, blundered 1st, headed 7th, outpaced 2 out, kept on and no impression
in rear, headway 3 out, went 3rd before 2 out, no extra last
tracked leaders in 3rd and keen, soon went 2nd, led 7th, not fluent and pressed 2 out, ridden after last, kept on well
held up towards rear, headway before 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, every chance next, ridden after last, no impression
held up mid-division, blundered 4 out, soon outpaced
held up mid-division, pushed along before 8th, soon in rear and weakened, tailed off 4 out
tracked leaders, weakening when mistake 2 out
Ulis De Vassy landed a gamble at Stratford in August but this looks a stronger heat. Suerte Al Salto beat the useful Prospect Wells at Fontwell in May on his chasing bow and has plenty of scope while the four-year-old Vesperal Dream has to be of interest making his debut for the Paul Nicholls team. Catch Tammy and Easily Pleased were both winners last time and Notarfbad should be winning soon, though may need some help from the handicapper. IVOR'S KING developed into a very decent handicap hurdler last season and looks as though he's going to be just as good over fences judged on an easy victory over course and distance 11 days ago. He has a penalty to overcome today but may be up to the task.
Ivor's King (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Made all, clear 2nd until 4th, not fluent 4 out, ran on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m nov chs (4) gs in Sep beating Valco De Touzaine (10-7) by 5l, 5 ran.
Suerte Al Salto (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, went 2nd before 7th, not fluent 4 out, challenged 2 out, led before last, ridden run-in, kept on, won at Fontwell 2m 2f nov chs (4) gd in May beating Prospect Wells (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 4 ran.
Notarfbad (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Led, headed 2 out, riden before last, one pace, 3rd of 9, 4l behind High Storm (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Jul.
Easily Pleased (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) In rear and keen, headway before 10th, led soon after, clear after 2 out, easily, won at Newton Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Aug beating Wester Ross (11-10) by 7l, 5 ran.
Ulis De Vassy (FR) 13-8fav (11-2) Made all, not fluent 2nd, mistake 4 out, stayed on well, driven out, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Aug beating Temple Lord (11-11) by 3l, 5 ran.
Darkestbeforedawn (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) With leader, weakened from 2 out, 8th of 9, 25l behind Taste The Wine (9-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in May.
Vesperal Dream (FR) (10-5) 2nd of 18, 4 1/2l behind Cokoriko (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 2f 4yo hdl sft in Apr.
Catch Tammy (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Made virtually all, clear before last, stayed on, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Sep beating Olympian Boy (11-12) by 10l, 6 ran.
