disputed close 2nd until hit 4th, 3rd and outpaced from 3 out
led, hit 5th, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and headed last, pressed winner until no extra last 100 yards
shade keen, disputed close 2nd, outright 2nd 4th, pushed along before 2 out, ridden between last 2, led narrowly last, rider dropped reins run-in, kept on well to assert last 100 yards
NonRunner
COUSIN OSCAR was progressing nicely until pulled-up in a tougher handicap than this at Aintree last time. He’ll find this easier and is preferred to the returning Trafalgar Rock. The latter makes his handicap debut having won maiden and novice hurdles last summer but Idder looks a bigger threat on last month’s third at Perth. Gran Maestro has his first start since runner-up in a selling hurdle at Southwell in August.
Gran Maestro (USA) Evensfav (11-8) Towards rear, reminders 3rd, headway 3 out, went 3rd before 2 out, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 11l behind My Brother Sylvest (10-12) at Southwell 2m (5) gd in Aug.
Trafalgar Rock 11-2 (11-12) Chased clear leaders, closed 4th, outpaced after 4 out, weakened next, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 6, 30l behind Vintage Vinnie (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Sep.
Idder (IRE) 15-2 (10-11) Mid-division, outpaced after 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on to take 3rd flat, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 8, 14 1/2l behind Great Fighter (11-8) at Perth 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Cousin Oscar (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) With leaders, reminders after 4th, soon lost place, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
