tracked leaders, took keen hold, hit 7th, mistake next, not fluent 10th, went 2nd after 11th, no impression 4 out, 3rd last, stayed on
jumped right, led after 2nd, headed 4th, led next, headed 8th, weakened 3 out
led until slow 2nd, prominent, slow and reminders 4th, lost place 9th, behind from next
held up in last, jumped right, not fluent 4 out, stayed on from 3 out, went 2nd last, closing on winner flat
led 2nd, soon headed, led 4th until next, led 8th, mistake 11th, clear when hit 4 out, 15 lengths ahead when jumped right and hit 2 out, reduced lead when jumped right last, nursed home
Nonrunner
Solstice Son had an alternative engagement at Fontwell yesterday but would be a leading contender if coming here instead. Life And Soul is badly handicapped over hurdles and should do better here off level weights. He'll be thereabouts if jumping soundly and Lucky Cody has already been placed in a couple of point-to-points so should have no problem with the switch back to fences. SERGEANT MATTIE won twice over timber but has always looked like a chaser in the making and gets his chance to prove that theory today. He won following a break at Plumpton in March so a recent absence isn't a worry and he's sure to have had plenty of schooling.
Ballybogey (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 3rd approaching 7th where blundered and lost place, driven and went 3rd again 4 out, ridden and staying on same pace and well held when saddle slipped and ran out 3 out, in a race won by Hallings Comet (11-6) at Southwell 2m nov chs (4) gd in Aug, 5 ran.
Life And Soul (IRE) 11-4fav (11-5) Pressed leader at strong gallop, clear of rest to before 3 out, soon ridden, not fluent when lost place next, weakened between last 2, 5th of 7, 32l behind Cool Baranca (9-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f (3) gd in Jul.
Lucky Cody (IRE) 1-3fav (11-5) With winner, ridden after 3 out, soon lost 2nd place, kept on same pace and no impression, 3rd of 4, 21l behind Alphabetical Order (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Romeo Americo (IRE) 22-1 (11-11) Towards rear, struggling 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Kenai Peninsula (11-7) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Apr '13, 14 ran.
Sergeant Mattie (IRE) 7-4fav (11-6) Went right 1st, chased leader until after 2nd, went 2nd again before 3 out, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, chased winner, still in with a chance last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Ellnando Queen (10-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Solstice Son 9-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders on outside, challenged 4 out, driven before 2 out, 3rd and one pace last, stayed on flat, no impression with winner, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Moss On The Mill (11-2) at Ffos Las 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in May.
Armedandbeautiful 9-2 (10-13) Prominent, ridden to challenge 2 out, every chance last, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 9, hd behind Campbonnais (11-12) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
