chased leaders to 8th, weakened next
chased leaders, effort approaching 3 out, no impression from next
led, headed when blundered last, no extra
chased leaders, blundered 10th, weakened from 4 out
always behind, soon detached, pulled up before 9th
held up, steady headway to go in touch 4 out, weakened next
always behind, pulled up after 8th
held up in touch, pushed along 4 out, led last, stayed on strongly
MR BARNACLE is given the verdict ahead of Mistanoora and Nine de Sivola. A typical Richards type, Mr Barnacle dotted up in a novice hurdle at Hexham and gave the impression that anything he achieved at that level would be eclipsed by a switch to the larger obstacles. Mistanoora was a useful sort over hurdles a couple of seasons ago. His two efforts over chase fences this term suggest he isn't quite of that standard at this discipline. Nine De Sivola is still a maiden over chase fences. He hasn't been out since finishing second to Hot Weld in the 2007 Scottish National so might just need today's outing under his belt. Harry Wood has had plenty of experience of the hurdles track at Carlisle though he bitterly disappointed on his latest visit. Tot O'Whiskey looked in need of the run first time out but he displayed plenty of resolution in spite of that over 2m4f. Sacred Mountain attempts to make the leap from Hunter Chases to winning under rules. A good race and Mr Barnacle looks the best.
Gritti Palace (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Chased leaders 12th, soon ridden and behind and pulled up at the 18th in race won by Comply Or Die (11-12) at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp chs (2) gs in Feb, 18 ran.
Harry Wood (FR) 2-1fav (11-9) Chased leaders until weakened 3 out, 5th of 12, well behind Companero (11-3) at Carlisle 3m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Hockenheim (FR) 15-8 (10-12) Made most to 8th, chased leaders until weakened and pulled up 4 out in race won by Flying Falcon (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Mar, 8 ran.
Mistanoora 11-4jt-fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, chased winner after last, no impression, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Dream Garden (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft.
Moyne Pleasure (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Prominent, weakened 3 out, 8th of 12, well behind Whatdoidowiththat (10-7) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft.
Mr Barnacle (IRE) 11-8 (10-13) Held up, headway to chase leader 4 out, led last, ridden out, won at Hexham 3m nov hdl (4) hvy in May beating Innominate (10-13) by 7l, 6 ran.
Sacred Mountain 5-2fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, led 5th, clear 9th until blundered 3 out, headed next, every chance last, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Messager (11-7) at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (5) hvy in May.
Tot O'Whiskey 11-4fav (11-4) In touch, outpaced 3 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on to go 2nd flat, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Killyglen (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs.
Nine De Sivola (FR) 5-1fav (10-1) Mid-division, smooth headway from 6 out, ridden 4 out, kept on to challenge winner approaching 2 out, kept on one pace flat, 2nd of 23, 1/2l behind Hot Weld (9-9) at Ayr 4m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gf in Apr '07.
