chased leaders, ridden 13th, outpaced when pecked 4 out, weakened next
in touch, led 2nd to 4th, tracked leader, led again 4 out, driven out flat
led, headed 2nd, led again 4th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, outpaced 12th, headway 14th, went 2nd before 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, not reached winner
raced keenly in touch, lost place 5th, weakened and pulled up after 9th
held up in rear, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous
This has the makings of a being a tactical affair and Nevada Red is narrowly preferred to Noir Et Vert and Windy Hills. That said, Admiral Peary will be an interesting contender if he makes the journey up from Berkshire, as he stays well and, although hard to get right, he would be a leading contender if he is on song. Charlie Egerton also has a closer engagement for him at Huntingdon later in the week; so he is one to keep tabs on for the time being. Windy Hills is unexposed but seems to be getting his act together just now. Still, he doesn't appear to be a natural chaser and may need more time. Noir Et Vert has progressed nicely since he arrived from France and is versatile regarding the ground. Ferdy Murphy's team remain in good form and a big run can be expected. Even so, Nevada Red gets the nod today. Admittedly, the gelding has been expensive to follow but that is not to say he is lacking in ability. He has a consistent profile and, having coped with good ground in the past, Nevada Red marginally looks the best option in a tough one to call.
Nevada Red Evensfav (10-13) Chased leader, hit 2nd and 3rd, outpaced 5 out, blundered next, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Almire Du Lia (10-12) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Mar.
Noir Et Vert (FR) 10-11fav (11-2) Prominent, led 10th, drew clear approaching last, won at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs beating Bog Oak (11-2) by 5l, 10 ran.
Admiral Peary (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Made most to 14th, chased leader to 16th, rallied under pressure to regain 2nd, mistake 2 out, stayed on same pace after, 3rd of 13, 16l behind Hoo La Baloo (12-10) at Sandown 3m amt chs (3) sft in Mar.
Windy Hills 11-8fav (11-3) Jumped slowly, in touch, reminders 6th, hard ridden 3 out, led 2 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Super Lord (11-3) at Bangor 3m beg chs (4) gd in Mar.
Desperate Bob (IRE) 80-1 (10-7) Led to 5th, weakened approaching 8th and soon pulled up at the 9th in race won by See You There (11-13) at Carlisle 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Mar, 5 ran.
Tipp Mid West (IRE) 50-1 (10-2) In rear, lost place from 9th, tailed off from 3 out, 4th of 5, 44l behind See You There (11-13) at Carlisle 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Mar.
