mid-division, reminders 13th, weakened after next, pulled up after 15th
mid-division, reminders and lost place 6th, soon behind, pulled up before 9th
behind, mistake 3rd, lost touch 7th, tailed off
mid-division, reminders 8th, lost place 13th, pulled up after next
led, headed and mistake 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace from 2 out
behind, reminders and headway 16th, went 3rd approaching 4th, no impression from next
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced from 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on flat
Starbuck, Top Pack and Corries Wood are the three for the shortlist and the vote is given to Starbuck. The selection has run well on each of his last three starts and with step-up in trip sure to play to his strengths he looks the one to be on. Top Pack has shown some ability over hurdles and he is certainly worth noting in the market on his chasing debut. Nicky Richards has got his string in fair form and if he takes to the bigger obstacles today then he could go close. Corries Wood is held by our selection from their recent run at Hexham, although he may have place claims in a race where there is not a great deal of strength in depth. Bang And Blame has plenty to prove but he hails from a shrewd yard so is one to consider, but for the winner we will stick with Starbuck.
Corries Wood (IRE) 17-2 (11-0) Towards rear, headway under pressure approaching 4 out, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 11, 28l behind Tee-Jay (11-0) at Hexham 3m 1f chs 0-90 (F) gf.
Starbuck 8-1 (10-9) In touch, mistake 5 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, soon no impression, 3rd of 10, 23l behind Model Son (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f beg chs (F) gf.
Top Pack (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden and outpaced 2 out, no impression when edged left between last 2, 7th of 13, 29l behind Saucy King (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gf.
Chris And Ryan (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Held up, outpaced after 4th, lost touch next, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Sharp Single (10-9) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (E) hvy in Apr, 5 ran.
Chancers Dante (IRE) 5-1 (9-11) Held up, blundered 7th, behind when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Sir Cumference (11-0) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in May, 8 ran.
Bang And Blame (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Prominent, ridden approaching 13th, weakened next, 7th of 9, well behind Fearless Mel (11-12) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Sept.
Celtic Flow 40-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, lost place 8th, soon tailed off, 8th of 13, well behind Stoneravinmad (10-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gf.
Alfred The Grey 14-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, blundered 10th and lost place, 6th of 7, well behind Hehasalife (10-4) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf.
