tracked winner, lost place 4 out, weakened before next
led, headed after 4 out, driven and stayed on to lead again 2 out, drew clear approaching last, eased near finish
tracked leaders, headway to lead after 4 out, headed 2 out, weakened and lost 2nd run-in
held up in rear, steady headway when blundered and rider lost iron 13th, not recover and pulled up before 4 out
in touch, reminders 11th, outpaced 14th, soon behind, tailed off
held up, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, mistakes 5th and 9th, outpaced 11th, headway 4 out, 2 lengths third and every chance when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
held up, outpaced 4 out, left poor third 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
behind, struggling halfway, mistake 12th, never dangerous
mid-division when fell 13th
Polar Gale, Cyborg de Sou and Clemax are the three to focus on here, with Polar Gale taken to come out on top. Cyborg de Sou has been lightly campaigned in recent seasons and has clearly had some training problems. This dual winner showed signs of a return to form at Market Rasen last time when a good second, but this trip may stretch his stamina. Clemax won in testing ground earlier this year so any rain would help his cause. He was soundly beaten at Wetherby on his re-appearance but he is back in his grade here and will be sharper for the run. Polar Gale won at Sedgefield in May and though that win was on fast ground, he would have won by more but for a blunder. The trip may be a little far, as his two wins have come over shorter distances, but with his rivals there to be shot at, Polar Gale can blow them away.
Carndale (IRE) 100-1 (10-6) In touch, ridden 10th, weakened quickly next, tailed off when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Naunton Brook (11-7) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Nov, 16 ran.
Clemax (IRE) 11-2 (10-8) Always behind, never dangerous, 4th of 5, 18l behind Notanotherdonkey (9-12) at Wetherby 3m 2f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Nov.
Sparkling Taff 16-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, outpaced 8th, tailed off from 3 out, 5th of 9, well behind Brooklyn Brownie (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Cyborg De Sou (FR) 4-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 5 out, every chance approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Spring Margot (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Fairlight Shadow (IRE) 11-1 (9-12) Held up towards rear, blundered badly 7th, soon lost place, headway 11th, weakened from 13th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Kerry Lads (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov, 7 ran.
Count Fosco 33-1 (10-1) Held up behind, headway 4 out, hung right from 2 out, no impression, 4th of 14, 10l behind Rayshan (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Polar Gale (IRE) 7-1 (10-8) In touch, driven out, outpaced 4 out, hit next, stayed on to lead last, ridden out, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in May beating Caipiroska (10-10) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Notaproblem (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) In touch, outpaced 4 out, weakened next, 11th of 13, well behind Chef de Cour (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Mrdeegeethegeegee (IRE) 50-1 (10-2) Always behind, 10th of 14, 48l behind Cloudmor (11-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.
Young Blade 25-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, effort approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 9l behind Jupiter's Fancy (11-9) at Hexham 2m 4f hts chs (6) gf in Jun.
