chased leaders, hit 10th and 11th, soon ridden, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 11th, joined leader approaching 3 out, led approaching 2 out, shaken up run-in, comfortably
slipped badly 1st, towards rear, hit 12th, headway next, challenging when fell 3 out
held up, headway 10th, weakened 4 out
in touch when fell 4th
mid-division, headway 6th, pecked 13th, effort after 4 out, left 3rd next, kept on same pace
tracked leader, led after 7th, hung left from 12th, headed after 4 out, gradually faded
tracked leaders, led after 4 out, ridden, headed approaching 2 out, kept on
held up towards rear, ridden after 4 out, went 4th after 3 out, never troubled leaders
Abragante was so impressive last time he has to be followed again this afternoon, Portland Bill and Ballyshan may be the main dangers. David Pipe's gelding beat Money Line by half a length at Exeter last time, but it was the manor of the victory that stands out. Under a confident ride from Timmy Murphy he just had to be pushed ahead at the line for a comfortable win. There could be plenty more to come and he looks the best option today. Top-weight Ballyshan ended last campaign with a modest run, but his previous efforts were quite decent and the stable is in much better form at present. Portland Bill made light work of some modest rivals over hurdles at Wincanton last time and doesn't look badly treated for his chase debut. Lady Of Scarvagh would have chance on her best form, but Abragante could still be some way ahead of the handicapper and he gets our vote.
Ballyshan (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Held up mid-division, pushed along 6th, weakened after 4 out, 8th of 13, well behind Calusa Charlie (11-2) at Newbury 3m nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Free Gift 4-1 (10-11) Led to 9th, chased winner next, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 8, 4l behind Umbrella Man (11-8) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Abragante (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Held up mid-division, headway after 8th, shaken up to lead 3 out, pushed out flat, cosily, won at Exeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft beating Money Line (10-12) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Kelly (SAF) 7-2fav (11-1) Prominent, led 10th, hit 12th, quickened clear 3 out, easily, won at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd in Jun '05 beating Waterberg (10-13) by 13l, 9 ran.
Manly Money 13-2 (11-12) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 8, 23l behind Curly Spencer (10-0) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Portland Bill (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Prominent, chased leaders 7th, led 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, driven clear flat, won at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Nov beating Almost Broke (11-10) by 10l, 8 ran.
Sky Warrior (FR) 33-1 (11-1) Soon behind, tailed off and pulled up at the 8th in race won by Whereareyounow (10-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft, 12 ran.
Gaelic Music (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, left poor 3rd 4 out, tailed off and jumped left from 3 out, 3rd of 7, well behind An Accordion (10-13) at Leicester 2m 7f mdn chs (4) gd in Nov.
Yann's (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Behind from 4th, 6th of 10, 47l behind Finzi (10-7) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Le Forezien (FR) 17-2 (10-10) Towards rear, weakening when mistake 10th, 5th of 8, 44l behind Jolly Boy (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft.
Lady of Scarvagh (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 10th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Potts of Magic (10-8) at Ascot 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
