behind, ridden and struggling 10th, weakened next
tracked leader 2nd until slow jump 4th, ridden and lost place 8th, struggling in rear 10th
raced in 4th, bumped next, chased leading pair 7th, one pace and no chance from 3 out
always behind, ridden along 9th, soon struggling
tracked leading pair, went 2nd 4th, led 4 out, ridden after next, hard presssed from 2 out, kept narrow advantage and held on gamely run-in
led until blundered 2nd, lost place and never going well after, well behind and struggling when blundered 4 out and next, pulled up
led 2nd, hit next, jumped right 5th, mistake and headed 4 out, stayed challengening upsides last, rallied gamely run-in, just failed
Course experience is a major factor here and so it is impossible to oppose The Hardy Boy, Fine By Me and Follow The Bear look to be the main rivals. The selection has shown a real liking for this unique track having been successful twice over course and distance in the last month. He doesn't win his races by far and as a consequence the handicapper hasn't been too harsh. With ground conditions spot on again he can land the hat-trick today. Fine By Me's only victory came over this trip at Bangor on similar ground. He looked on the way back to form last time and should be in the shake up. Follow The Bear isn't the safest of jumpers but has claims on his best form. Meanwhile Kiltimoney will find this company a little less taxing that recent opponents. However The Hardy Boy cannot be ignored in his current mood and he gets a confident vote.
Malaga Boy (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Chased leader, led 3 out, headed next, 2nd and held when stumbled badly last, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Lewis Island (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (3) sft in Apr.
Follow The Bear 11-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 8th, in rear and held when fell 2 out in race won by Fearless Foursome (11-13) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec, 4 ran.
Easibrook Jane 40-1 (10-3) Always behind, 9th of 14, 47l behind Better Moment (11-1) at Taunton 2m 3f cnd hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
Fine By Me (IRE) 5-1 (10-3) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Sir Bathwick (10-1) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Dec.
The Hardy Boy 11-8fav (10-2) Tracked leaders, led 10th, mistake next, ridden 3 out, kept on, won at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft beating Alderbrook Girl (9-10) by 2l, 6 ran.
Kiltimoney (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, struggling from 11th, no chance from 13th, 4th of 5, well behind Il Duce (11-6) at Taunton 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec.
Running Hot 11-2 (11-3) Led, headed 4 out, edged left on bend after 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 9, 8l behind The Hardy Boy (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec.
