tracked leaders, led after 8th, hard pressed from 2 out, kept on gamely, driven out
chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened after 3 out, pulled up before last
chased leaders, every chance after 3 out, soon ridden, faded from next
chased leaders, hit 5th, soon driven along, weakened 8th
held up behind and raced wide, steady progress from 7th, ridden into 4th after 3 out, kept on same pace
in touch until 8th, pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, lost place 6th, never on terms after
took keen hold, prominent, every chance when mistake and stumbled badly 3 out, weakened
led, hit 5th and 8th, soon headed, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, hit 3rd, smooth headway from 6th, tracked winner after 3 out, challenged next, every chance when pecked last, no extra
In a field large on quantity but lacking in quality, a narrow vote goes to Not For Diamonds over Darkshape, Wondersobright and Canopus. With not many in form, it is hoped that Not For Diamonds can improve the few pounds needed to gain a first win over timber. Successful in bumper company in 2005, he was noted staying on from the back when third in a class 4 contest over the course-and-distance last time, and this drop in grade should ensure that he takes a hand in the finish today. Darkshape stayed on well at Ludlow over two miles, but still has to prove that he has the stamina for this sort of trip, while Wondersobright is pretty much exposed, but at least has an in-form jockey on board. Canopus is the youngster in the line-up at the age of four, and off his current mark, has to be on the short-list as well, but he is another that will find this journey taxing at present, with preference much for Not For Diamonds.
Celtic Major (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) In rear, never nearer, 9th of 15, 42l behind Runner Bean (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Feb.
Flying Forme (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Led to 4th, ridden 5th, weakened 6th, 8th of 14, 39l behind Here's Johnny (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Dr Charlie 25-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, 12th of 17, 32l behind Spirit Of Tenby (10-3) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd in Jun '05.
Another Burden 12-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, jumped right last, weakened flat, 5th of 7, 15l behind Theatre Diva (11-7) at Ludlow 2m mrs hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Storm Prince (IRE) 100-1 (10-10) Tracked leader, led 2nd, headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 18, 33l behind Fleetwood Forest (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
Maximinus 25-1 (11-4) In touch, ridden 8th, soon weakened, beaten when pulled up 2 out in race won by The Hardy Boy (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec, 9 ran.
Not For Diamonds (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Held up last, headway on outside approaching 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out, nearest finish, 3rd of 19, 13l behind Thenford Star (10-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Nov.
Massini Sunset (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Led until after 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, lost 3rd run-in, 5th of 16, 15l behind Jades Double (9-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec.
Dear Sir (IRE) 10-1 (9-11) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 8, 9l behind Huckster (11-10) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
Seemma 50-1 (11-4) Towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 37l behind Femme D'avril (9-13) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Dec.
Hazelbury 16-1 (10-7) Prominent, ridden along after 4th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 8, 35l behind Lunar Eclipse (9-11) at Exeter 2m 1f mrs hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Montenda 50-1 (11-0) In rear, mistake 1st, behind from 5th, 6th of 10, 42l behind College Ace (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Wondersobright (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Led and soon clear, mistake 8th, weakened and headed well before last, tired and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Roman Rampage (11-5) at Folkestone 2m 6f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft.
Gotta Get On 16-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 7th, ridden after next, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 14, well behind Classic Fair (11-2) at Taunton 3m mrs mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Canopus 6-1 (10-3) In touch, headway 5th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, every chance approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Hi Dancer (10-13) at Hereford 2m 1f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Cool Society 16-1 (10-7) Behind, stayed on approaching last, never going pace to reach leaders, 6th of 16, 12l behind Tashkandi (11-12) at Kempton 2m cnd nov hcp hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Darkshape 9-4fav (10-5) Held up, headway 6th, every chance 3 out, ridden, ran on flat, 3rd of 16, 3/4l behind Tora Petcha (11-2) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
