always behind, blundered 2nd, soon tailed off, pulled up before 9th
held up towards rear, headway halfway, fell 9th
chased leaders, lost place halfway, chased winner 5 out, upsides last, every chance flat, no extra towards finish
led to 1st, remained with leader until weakened approaching 10th
chased leader and keen, led 1st, headed 11th, weakened from 3 out
towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, prominent 10th, mistake next, soon beaten
chased leaders, led 11th, clear next, challenged last, stayed on gamely flat, all out
raced keen and chased leaders, hampered and lost place from 9th, pulled up after next
PRESENTING ALF is the selection in the nightcap with Toy Gun and Alto Stratus as the dangers. Sue Smith's charge ran a fair race at Hexham on his most recent start and with stamina appearing not to be an issue, he looks to have a fair shout in a race that lacks quality. Toy Gun has often been backed for races of this nature. He can tend to make the odd fencing error and backers have learnt not to row in at such short prices. Alto Stratus finished ahead of our selection last time out though is 4lb worse off at the weights this afternoon. Panthers Run often promises before failing to deliver. Garleton may find life tough after incurring the wrath of the handicapper for finishing a close up third in a Kelso event. Fisherman Jack won well at Sedgefield off 78 but has picked off at will at Hexham when tried under today's revised mark. Presenting Alf is taken to continue his improvement in our finale.
Sands Rising 16-1 (11-5) Always behind, 12th of 20, well behind Lethem Present (10-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Jun.
Alto Stratus 9-1 (11-6) Held up, chased winner from 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
Garleton (IRE) 7-1 (9-11) In touch, went 2nd 13th, led before 3 out, headed next, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Stravaigin (10-6) at Perth 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May.
Fisherman Jack 7-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, rallied to lead 3 out to 2 out, one pace flat, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Tully Cross (10-12) at Hexham 3m 1f chs 0-90 (5) sft.
Mr Twins (ARG) 6-1jt-fav (10-8) Close up, blundered badly and unseated rider at the 6th in race won by Ngong Hills (11-8) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (5) frm, 15 ran.
Presenting Alf (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 4 out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 11l behind Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
Panthers Run 20-1 (10-8) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs, 12 ran.
Toy Gun (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Led 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 30l behind Whatdoidowiththat (10-7) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft.
Exit To Saumur (FR) 100-1 (11-0) Raced keenly in rear, struggling halfway, soon tailed off, 12th of 14, well behind Classic Moon (11-0) at Perth 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gs in Apr.