prominent, lost place after 13th, good headway on inside approaching 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ran on, not pace of winner
held up towards rear, not fluent 5th, good headway 12th, led 13th, hampered on bend after 13th, ridden headed approaching 3 out, one pace after
always towards rear, ridden approaching 4 out, weakening when hit last
chased leader, led 4th, ridden and headed 13th, weakened 2 out
held up last, ridden 13th, soon weakened
prominent, ridden after 4 out, kept on same pace from 3 out
held up towards rear, ridden and chased leaders approaching 3 out, weakened after 2 out
always going well in touch, headway 4 out, ridden to lead 3 out, driven out
mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace
led to 4th, mistake 11th and lost place, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, ridden and every chance 4 out, hit 4 out, not recover
mid-division, ridden and some headway approaching 4 out, stayed on one pace from 3 out
Ruby Gale is interesting first time out for trainer Paul Nicholls but may need the outing, while Black de Bessy has had two quick starts and may not have that much improvement so a chance is taken with Roschal. The selection was a faller at Aintree last time but is worth another chance on earlier form on ground that suits. Stablemate Xellance is capable of playing a part on the pick of his form but the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding looks a shade high in the weights at present. Alan King's Tribal King is entitled to need the outing, his first of the season, while Roofing Spirit is another that would have claims if fit enough but may be better for the run. Toulouse is another worthy of a mention but Roschal has plenty going for him, granted a clear round, and he gets the vote.
Ruby Gale (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, not fluent 10th, headway approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 7, 33l behind Comply Or Die (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (B) gd.
Latimer's Place 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 9th, hit 11th, ridden 4 out, weakening when unseated rider 2 out in race won by Naunton Brook (11-8) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Oct, 7 ran.
Toulouse (IRE) 3-1fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, led 3rd, ridden approaching last, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in May beating The Names Bond (11-2) by 2l, 9 ran.
Tribal King (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden 11th, driven to chase leader 4 out, one pace from 3 out, 4th of 7, 21l behind Rathbawn Prince (11-3) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (D) sft in Jan.
Roofing Spirit (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 7th, 6th and in touch 4 out, no extra from next, 6th of 16, 23l behind Livingstonebramble (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 2f nov chs sft in Apr.
Xellance (IRE) 8-1 (10-2) In touch, ridden 11th, weakened next, toiling when fell at the last in race won by Tamango (11-9) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Oct, 9 ran.
Kew Jumper (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Held up, close order 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, every chance approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Tom Sayers (10-6) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-120 (D) gs in Apr.
Black de Bessy (FR) 11-4 (10-4) Held up, headway 10th, ridden 3 out, every chance last, no extra close home, 2nd of 9, nk behind Tamango (11-9) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Oct.
Penthouse Minstrel 25-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, led 15th, ridden and narrowly headed last, rallied to regain lead flat, headed near finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Darby Wall (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (E) gd in Oct.
Joe Deane (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden 7th and fell at the 8th in race won by Walter's Destiny (10-1) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Roschal (IRE) 11-4fav (10-13) Mid-division, in 4th when fell at the 9th in race won by Fair Prospect (11-12) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gs in Oct, 10 ran.
Ede'iff 10-1 (10-12) Held up, some headway approaching 10th, soon struggling, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Marjina (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m mrs hcp hdl (E) gs in Oct.
Sacrifice 12-1 (10-3) Mid-division, no impression on leaders from 4 out, 8th of 10, 12l behind On The Outside (10-11) at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Sept.
