jumped left, led, hung left on paddock bend after 6th, went left and headed 7th, chased winner, challenged after 10th, led 13th, went left 2 out, went left and headed last, one pace and well held flat
took keen hold, held up in 3rd, blundered and nearly unseated rider 11th, given time to recover, closing when went right and jumped into rear of 2nd horse 2 out, ridden and no impression before last, eased when beaten flat
tracked leader, blundered 2nd, switched to inside before 6th, led next, narrowly headed 13th, chased leader, hit 4 out and next, led on inside as leader went left last, kept on well
Nonrunner
Tiger O'Toole has some smart hurdling form to his name and won a valuable handicap here last term. But the jury is out on his prowess over fences after he was reluctant to race then fell at the first at Ludlow nine days ago. In comparison, Andy Turnell must have been delighted by MICHEAL FLIPS' effort in splitting the well-regarded Cue Card and Silviniaco Conti at Chepstow. The seven-year-old jumped really well for a novice and a repeat of that form would probably suffice here as Ackertac was never travelling when pulled up at Aintree last week, though may have more time to measure his fences here. Megastar may just need this but was a decent novice hurdler last term and should be placed to good effect before long.
Ackertac (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) In touch, blundered 5 out, lost place and pulled up before next, in a race won by Hector's Choice (11-9) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd, 9 ran.
Megastar 7-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway on outer before 3 out, ridden and weakened before last, 17th of 22, well behind Russian War (10-1) at Aintree 2m 4f Listed hcp hdl (1) gs in Apr.
Micheal Flips (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Chased winner, challenged 5 out, upsides when hit next, dropped to 3rd 2 out, rallied to 2nd again flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Cue Card (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd.
Tiger O'Toole (IRE) 13-8fav (11-2) Held up in 6th when fell 1st, in a race won by Tatispout (10-0) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gf, 7 ran.