held up in 3rd, took keen hold, closed 7th, hampered approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one pace from 2 out, mistake last
tracked leader, challenged 3rd, not fluent 6th or 7th, led approaching 3 out, clear last, ran on well
held up in 4th, took keen hold, headway and slighly hampered 7th, went 2nd before 3 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on same pace last
led, not fluent 6th, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, mistake last
GRANDADS HORSE overcame an absence and trouble in running when beating Forever Waining by three lengths over C&D last month. The runner-up is 7lb better off now but is struggling to get his head in front whereas Charlie Longsdon's charge still seems to be progressing. He can confirm the form and take this. Bhaltair is back over hurdles after being well beaten on his chasing debut at Bangor but his overall form doesn't look good enough here while this is a tough start for winning pointer Say No and Riverside Poppet may also need more time.
Bhaltair (IRE) Evensfav (11-9) Held up, went third 4th, ridden after 3out, no impression when left 2nd last, 2nd of 4, 39l behind Callisto Moon (11-3) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Aug.
Grandads Horse 5-4fav (11-5) Held up in touch, not much room on bend before 3 out, soon challenging, led last, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Sep beating Forever Waining (10-12) by 3l, 10 ran.
Forever Waining (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, headway 7th, led 2 out, headed last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Grandads Horse (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Sep.
Riverside Poppet 22-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, effort over 3f out, soon under pressure, no inpression, 4th of 12, 38l behind Boston Bob (10-13) at Hexham 2m mdn NH flat (5) gs in Mar.
Say No (11-7) won at Garthorpe 3m ptp gd in May, 1 ran.
