tracked leader, outpaced after 8th, soon weakened
led, headed before 2 out, soon beaten, one pace
tracked leaders, mistake and unseated rider 2nd
held up, not always fluent, slightly hampered 2nd, went 3rd after 8th, hit 4 out, soon beaten, went left and weakened 2 out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, disputed 2nd from 4th, challenging when jumped right and hit 3 out, led before next, clear last, very easily
Days Ahead found the drop back to 2m no problem at Newton Abbot. But the form is nothing special and he's got a 7lb higher mark to defy here. BOSS IN BOOTS has two ways of running but is due a good one after turning in a shocker last time at Southwell when finding 2m4f too far. He had only found the useful Miss Tenacious too good over this track and trip previously and gets another chance. Helium's neck second to Be On Time here last week was his best effort so far over fences and a repeat would put him bang in contention while four-year-old All Together has already been placed over fences in France and is no forlorn hope under Richard Johnson.
Days Ahead (IRE) 17-2 (11-12) Tracked leader, driven to challenge last, soon led, stayed on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m hcp (4) gd in Sep beating The Yank (11-3) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Val D'arc (FR) 3-1fav (11-0) Well placed until lost place quickly 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 6th, at Newton Abbot 2m 3f (4) gs in Apr.
Boss In Boots (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Held up 4th, dropped to rear 6th, hit 9th and next, weakened 4 out, 4th of 5, dist behind Cut The Corner (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep.
All Together (FR) 11-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders until 3rd, close up, hampered 3 out, led next, clear with winner when not fluent last, headed near finish, 2nd of 8, hd behind Mountain Fighter (10-12) at Fakenham 2m mdn (4) gd in May.
Helium (FR) 9-1 (11-11) Pressed leader, led 8th, headed 2 out, jumped right last, rallied flat, every chance towards finish, just held, 2nd of 6, nk behind Be On Time (11-3) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
