tracked leaders, led 7th, headed at bypassed 2 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
held up towards rear, headway into mid-division when fell 7th
held up mid-division on outside, tracked leaders 5th, challenged going well at bypassed 2 out, led before last, soon clear, eased towards finish, comfortably
held up behind, outpaced when hit 8th, ridden and weakened next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out
tracked leaders, mistake and dropped to mid-division 5th, outpaced when hampered 7th, soon behind, pulled up before next
towards rear, hampered 7th, outpaced when hit next, weakened before 2 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
led to 7th, in touch until driven and outpaced 9th, lost place 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division on inside, reminder 2nd, hampered 7th, outpaced 9th, stayed on under pressure to go moderate 4th last, never on terms
with leader, ridden to lead at bypassed 2 out, soon hard pressed, headed before last, lost 2nd soon after, no chance with leading pair flat
towards rear, headway 9th, ridden to chase leading pair after 2 out, went 2nd soon after last, stayed on under pressure flat, always held
Nonrunner
A competitive finale where it may prove worth taking a chance with QUALITY CONTROL ahead of Flying Doctor, Sparkling Zola, Ripalong Lad and Boyoboy. Ferdy Murphy's charge missed the whole of 2009 and has offered little since returning in two runs over fences but his earlier form over hurdles reads well in the context of this race and may be worth chancing in the hope that his yard can bring him back to his best. Flying Doctor has been in great form but his latest effort suggested that the handicapper may be catching up with him as he could manage only third at Hexham in a race that went to Sparkling Zola who may be able to confirm the form despite a penalty. Sparkling Zola had earlier finished fourth to Boyoboy and Flying Doctor at Aintree but should give the winner more to think about as George Moore's charge got hit with an 18lb rise. Solway Ally represents a yard that has won this race twice in four years so should be considered closely whilst Ripalong Lad also rates a mention but we'll take a chance with Quality Control.
Ripalong Lad (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) In touch, chased clear leader from 5th, led 3 out, clear when hit last, kept on well, won at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Oct beating Native City (11-12) by 12l, 6 ran.
Boyoboy (IRE) 3-1fav (10-11) Held up mid-division, chased leaders out, led 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well, won at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd beating Flying Doctor (10-10) by 4l, 15 ran.
Flying Doctor 6-4fav (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Sparkling Zola (10-8) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
Quality Control (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, mistake 4th, in rear from 8th and reminders, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Dallas Bell (10-9) at Hexham 3m 1f beg chase (4) sft in Mar, 6 ran.
Mewstone 10-1 (11-11) Held up, hit 2nd, blundered 9th, mistake 10th, effort 13th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Vamizi (11-5) at Exeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar, 9 ran.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Not fluent, always behind, tailed off when went left last 3, 8th of 12, 50l behind North Island (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Solway Ally 15-8fav (10-11) Held up in touch, lost place 5th, headway approaching 8th, ridden after next, soon beaten, 6th of 10, 25l behind Ambrose Princess (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Follow On 22-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, one pace from 2 out, 5th of 12, 16l behind Ballymacduff (11-2) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
Money Finder 9-2 (9-11) Always prominent, not fluent 3rd, led after 9th, ridden approaching last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Ambrose Princess (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Glen Rouge (IRE) 11-1 (10-4) Held up mid-division, weakened 3 out, 9th of 15, well behind Boyoboy (10-11) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
Thatlldoforme 5-2fav (10-0) Held up in rear, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before last, in a race won by Federstar (10-9) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Mar, 11 ran.
Sparkling Zola 7-2 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 2 out, led after last, kept on well, won at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf beating Birnies Boy (10-6) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
