held up towards rear, headway when hampered 3 out, mistake next, never on terms
soon led, headed 5th, weakened after next
keen, prominent, effort after 3 out, weakened last
mid-division, weakened after 5 out, pulled up 3 out
always prominent, led 5th, driven 2 out, stayed on well
in touch, pushed along 4 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway when hampered 3 out, never dangerous
held up, headway 4 out, chasing leaders when fell next
behind, headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, driven into 2nd approaching when mistake last, no danger after
mid-division, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, never on terms
Shimba Hills won this in 2016 and followed that with another success here early last year. He's having his first start since June but will appreciate today's soft ground and can figure. Filemon also has a shout on last month's second at Market Rasen but may prefer faster going and LEGEND OF FRANCE (NAP) makes more appeal. The latter won over track and trip a fortnight ago beating Seaweed six lengths with Generous Jack and Golden Cannon further behind. It's difficult to see any of those reversing the running despite Pat Phelan's charge being raised 10lb and he gets the nod to go in again.
Shimba Hills 50-1 (10-12) In rear, well behind from 5th, left remote 4th at the 7th, 4th of 5, dist behind Diakali (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) gd in Jun.
Hurry Henry (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) In touch, reminder after 1st, pushed along and struggling after 11th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Legend Of France 25-1 (11-6) Keen early, in touch on outside, led after 5th, made rest, driven when hard pressed before 2 out, soon ridden, clear last, kept on well, won at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec beating Seaweed (11-10) by 6l, 14 ran.
Filemon 5-1 (11-11) Chased leaders on inside, 2nd before 4th until before 2 out, 2nd again 2 out, ridden and every chance run-in, no extra in 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Derrynane (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Nov.
Seaweed (IRE) 9-2jfav (11-10) Tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, went 2nd next, upsides and every chance when not fluent 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, no extra from last, 2nd of 14, 6l behind Legend Of France (11-6) at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Sadma 9-1 (11-1) Led and set good pace, hit 2nd, blundered and unseated rider 7th, at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Generous Jack (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) In touch, driven to chase front pair after 3 out, ridden after next, kept on same pace, no impression, 3rd of 14, 10l behind Legend Of France (11-6) at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Golden Cannon 12-1 (11-4) Mid-division, chased leaders after 4 out, outpaced after next, never on terms, 4th of 14, 17l behind Legend Of France (11-6) at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Mercer's Troop (IRE) 22-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 9, 25 1/4l behind Idilico (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Oct.
Molliana 100-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, mistake 2nd, never a factor, 5th of 9, dist behind Montestrel (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) gs in Oct.
