tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and hit 2 out ,soon hung left, weakened after last
led to 3rd, led again 10th, ridden and headed last, kept on
with leader, led 3rd, headed 10th, ridden and outpaced approaching 4 out, kept on, no impression
tracked leaders, pushed along 11th, ridden to lead last, kept on
towards rear, jumped 3rd slow, weakened approaching 4 out
in rear, hit 9th, soon pushed along, blundered and unseated rider 12th
held up, behind when blundered and unseated rider 10th
This looks a good opportunity for Akilak to gain a first success over fences, Habitual Dancer and Morgan Be look to be the main danger.Akilak has met a couple of decent types in his two novice chases to date and this looks to be his easiest task. This pretty decent hurdler hasn't been knocked about in his races so as to build up his confidence and he could now be ready to strike. Habitual Dancer is a very tough customer and wasn't rated far behind the selection over hurdles. He unseated on his chase debut but he has always looked the type to do well over fences and could go close at big odds. Morgan Be showed improved form last time and will relish the underfoot conditions. Akilak also loves to get his toe in and he looks the one to be on this afternoon.
Akilak (IRE) 2-5fav (11-6) Always prominent, not fluent 8th, challenged 12th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, kept on under pressure from next, not reach winner, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Day Of Claies (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Baron Monty (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching next, behind when pulled up * out in race won by The Reverend (11-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Nov, 8 ran.
Habitual Dancer 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 4 lengths 4th and outpaced when blundered and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Laertes (11-0) at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (3) hvy, 4 ran.
Morgan Be 7-4fav (11-4) Tracked leader, reminder 7th, led 3 out, ridden approaching last, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Archie Babe (11-4) at Hexham 2m beg chs (4) hvy.
Political Cruise 9-2 (10-0) Always towards rear, 7th of 14, 41l behind Black Chalk (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m 4f amt hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
Rare Coincidence 40-1 (11-5) Led, headed after 6th, renewed effort 2 out, ridden and soon one pace, 4th of 9, 10l behind Tomenoso (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
No Commission (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) In touch, driven along 4th, lost pace next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Toulouse Express (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May, 10 ran.