tracked leaders, ridden before last, kept on to lead towards finish
led, joined 2 out, soon hard pressed, ridden run-in, kept on and headed towards finish
in touch, blundered 2nd, ridden and outpaced before last
in rear, smooth headway from 2 out, mistake last, soon ridden kept on well towards finish
tracked leader, pressed leader from 2 out, every chance when mistake last, weakened run-in
Vengeur De Guye has been placed off similar marks this year but has just the one win over fences in 17 attempts. Halcyon Days showed progressive form at the end of last season and is 5lb higher on his return while Craiganboy has been well beaten either side of winning a chase over a longer trip here in February. But MINELLA SUITE was still going well when falling at Hexham on his recent comeback and if showing no adverse effects from that tumble, Rose Dobbin’s charge can go close with a clear round.
Vengeur De Guye (FR) 9-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 3 out to chase leaders, weakened run-in, 6th of 8, 16 1/4l behind Sudski Star (10-11) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Halcyon Days 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well run-in, won at Carlisle 2m hcp (4) gs in Apr beating Spiculas (11-12) by 2l, 6 ran.
Craiganboy (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) In rear, jumped slow, badly outpaced and detached before 4 out, headway after 2 out, no impression, 4th of 5, 30l behind Forest Des Aigles (11-5) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Ninepointsixthree 150-1 (11-0) In rear, soon detached, tailed off halfway, 4th of 6, dist behind Cobra De Mai (12-0) at Sedgefield 2m (4) gd in Oct.
Minella Suite (IRE) 3-1fav (12-2) Chasing leaders when fell 4 out, at Hexham 2m hcp (5) hvy in Oct.