led until 5th, chased leader until before 13th, chased leaders, weakened before 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, went left 5th, outpaced 16th, plugged on into modest 5th 2 out
chased leader, led 5th until hit 14th and headed, chased winner until after 16th, 2nd again 2 out, kept on same pace run-un
raced wide early, chased leaders until lost place 5th, rallied approaching 4 out, modest 4th 3 out, kept on same pace
held up, headway chasing leaders 12th, 2nd after 16th until 2 out, plugged on same pace in 3rd
jumped left, chased leaders, weakened 4 out, tailed off
well in rear, mistake and bumped 4th, never on terms, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
held up, good headway chasing leaders 8th, 2nd before 13th, led next, hit 3 out, 2 lengths ahead last, kept on well run-in
last pair, never on terms, tailed off
The vast majority have questions of one sort of another to answer but it may well be that Dr Newland has once again worked the oracle and revivified BOB FORD (NAP). The gelding had tumbled down the weights before reappearing this term for his new yard to land a major gamble in a well-endowed handicap chase at Chepstow last month. That success was gained in some style under Sean Bowen who retains the ride here and the combination should take some beating if in the same mood despite an 8lb hike for that Welsh victory. Brownville disappointed here the last day but generally has a good record around the Staffordshire track and a return to his previous level when successful over course and distance will see him in the mix. Smooth Stepper and Shanroe Santos have the ability to play a part too at their best.
Killala Quay 16-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened before blundered 4 out, 8th of 14, 36 3/4l behind Bob Ford (10-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Bob Ford (IRE) 5-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, pushed along before 3 out, led approaching last, driven clear run-in, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (2) gd in Oct beating Fox Appeal (11-5) by 4l, 14 ran.
Smooth Stepper 16-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, tailed off 18th, 11th of 13, 34 1/2l behind Audacious Plan (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 5f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Barton Gift 12-1 (11-6) Led, went right 3rd, narrowly headed 8th, led again 10th until 12th, chased winner until weakened on long run after 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out, at Exeter 3m 7f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Shanroe Santos (IRE) 7-1 (12-0) In rear, ridden and headway 3 out, ridden next, kept on one pace flat, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Courtown Oscar (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Oct.
Capard King (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) In touch on inside, lost place 4 out, soon outpaced, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 10th of 17, dist behind What Happens Now (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Brownville 9-2 (12-1) In touch, lost place 10th, no danger after, 5th of 7, 34 1/4l behind Lunar Flow (10-9) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Jennys Surprise (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Always behind, struggling when mistake and unseated rider 5 out, at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Hansupfordetroit (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, lost place when hampered 2nd, mistake 6th, headway after 11th, challenged before last, every chance flat, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 10, shd behind Triptico (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp (5) gs in May.
