tracked leader until before 4th, led 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on and held from last
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 4th, challenged on bit 3 out, led 2 out, held on well from last,
led, headed 3 out, weakened before 2 out
jinked badly left at start, well behind, headway to go in touch before 4 out, weakened soon after
Withdrawn
Upbeat Cobbler completed a track and trip double last spring and reappeared at Chepstow in October with another victory. He hasn't shown much in better company since but looks to have every chance here. Better Days scored in this class at Wincanton before stepping up in grade at Cheltenham last month where he performed with credit. He's on the same mark so must be considered though the vote goes to RIDDLESTOWN. The ten-year-old was gaining the twelfth victory of his career when completing a double over hurdles on fast ground here earlier this month. He'd won over fences at Southwell a few days earlier and is well handicapped compared to his mark over timber. Tom Neary was beaten a long way on his reappearance at Exeter while Financial Climate hasn't won for over two years though has dropped in the ratings accordingly.
Better Days (IRE) 7-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, hampered 8th, hit 14th, outpaced before 2 out, rallied before last, stayed on and switched left flat, unable to challenge, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Fact Of The Matter (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Riddlestown (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, ridden and headed narrowly last, rallied run-in to regain lead, driven out, won at Towcester 3m hcp (4) gf in May beating Kayla (11-10) by nk, 5 ran.
Upbeat Cobbler (FR) 16-1 (10-3) With leaders, jumped left 1st, led 3rd, headed 12th, weakened from 4 out, 8th of 12, dist behind Magic Money (10-9) at Haydock 2m 6f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Tom Neary (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on inside, 2nd 13th, every chance 4 out, 3rd and held last, no extra flat, 3rd of 5, 8 3/4l behind Only Gorgeous (11-3) at Exeter 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Financial Climate (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) In touch until mistake lost place and dropped to rear 3rd, tailed off 11th, slightly hampered next, rallied 3 out, went poor 3rd last, 3rd of 8, 19l behind Castarnie (11-11) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
