tracked leaders, blundered 9th, ridden and effort 3 out, challenged and every chance when fell last
led, mistake 5th, ridden 4 out, headed after 2 out, left 3 lengths 2nd last, weakened flat
tracked leaders, blundered 9th, struggling next, behind when pulled up before 12th
tracked leader, challenged 5 out, ridden 3 out, led after next, left 3 lengths clear last, stayed on well
Nonrunner
MAT HILL will not be much of a price but he should take all the beating; the list of dangers is headed by Saddler's Way and Minster Abbi. The selection was still travelling well when he fell at Newcastle last time. He will relish these conditions and providing his confidence has not been affected he should be capable of getting back to winning ways. Saddler's Way showed plenty of promise in a novices' hunters' chase on his debut at Perth and it will be interesting to see if he can build on that here. That run was on quick ground though and it remains to be seen if he can put his best foot forward on ground as testing as this. Minster Abbi does have proven form on heavy ground but she only jumped two fences before taking a tumble at the third last time. She is thoroughly exposed but under her optimum conditions she can't be ruled out. Beau Saddler and Noble Hill look to have a bit to find with the principles if they are to get competitive, and we will stick with Mat Hill who looks a stand-out bet.
Beau Saddler 16-1 (10-8) Towards rear, blundered and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Kalmo Bay (11-8) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Dec, 10 ran.
Mat Hill (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Held up, hit 11th, headway approaching 4 out, no impression when fell 5 out in race won by According To Pete (11-10) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) sft in Dec, 6 ran.
Noble Hill 14-1 (12-5) Hdstrng; cl 2nd 11; wknd qckly & pulled up in race won by Cheers Thank You (12-5) at Aspatria 3m ptp gd in May '07, 11 ran.
Saddler's Way (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up, effort on outside approaching 10th, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 24l behind Always Right (11-7) at Perth 2m 4f nov hts chs (4) gf in May.
Minster Abbi 9-1 (10-7) Held up behind leaders, in touch when unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Tastes Like More (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f mrs beg chs (4) hvy in Feb, 4 ran.
