chased leader until after 5th, weakened after 2 out, eased before last
mid-division, mistake 2nd, progress 4th, mistake 5th, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
held up and behind, progress after 5th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on
chased leading pair, went 2nd after 5th, ridden when mistake last, soon led, headed towards finish
held up, mistake 3 out, soon outpaced, plenty to do when slightly hampered 2 out, good headway approaching last, strong run flat to lead close home
mid-division, struggling 4th, no chance when mistake 2 out, tailed off
always behind, driven along and detached from 3rd, completely tailed off when mistake 5th
led at good pace, blundered and headed last, one pace
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, mistake 5th, ridden after 3 out, hit 2 out, soon no impression, not fluent last
This could develop into a battle up the hill between two of the Irish raiders, with Cuan Na Grai taken to come out on top over Kalderon, with War General and Moon Over Miami likely to make their presence felt. Paul Nolan reports that Cuan Na Grai is fit and ready to do himself justice after a successful summer campaign that saw him reel off four on the bounce. The five-year-old was also entered for Sunday's Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, but connections have obviously decided that the conditions of today's race are more conducive. He gets a narrow vote over Kalderon who put himself in the picture with a Grade 3 victory at Tipperaray. However, that was on soft ground, and he may be taken off his feet by the selection when the pace quickens. War General won easily at Naas last time and seems to be a tough sort so is another that commands respect, while Orpen Wide is not certain to maintain Ascot form over Moon Over Miami on the revised terms. Ofarel d'Airy was also behind the latter when they met at Wincanton in May, and this future chaser ran well in defeat behind Roll Along here last month. In truth he looks one for the future, and for now we shall side with Cuan Na Grai.
Cuan Na Grai (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Made all, ridden clear after 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Galway 2m hcp hdl gf in Aug beating Shandon Star (10-1) by 4l, 20 ran.
Kalderon (GER) 7-4fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, 4th when not clear run after 3 out, headway into 2nd before 2 out, led approaching last, stayed on well, easily, won at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Oct beating Mill House Girl (10-10) by 5l, 9 ran.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 13-8 (11-1) Tracked leaders, led on bit approaching last, ran on, edged right flat, pushed out, won at Ascot 2m nov hdl (3) gf in Oct beating Moon Over Miami (11-8) by 5l, 7 ran.
War General 10-3 (11-12) Made all, clear early, reduced advantage from 3rd, ridden and strongly pressed after 2 out, stayed on well under pressure, won at Naas 2m hdl sft in Oct beating Hotel Hilamar (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran.
Moon Over Miami (GER) 11-8fav (11-8) Led, soon clear, hit 4th, 6th and 3 out, narrowly headed 2 out, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Orpen Wide (11-1) at Ascot 2m nov hdl (3) gf in Oct.
Hippodrome (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out, 6th of 12, 22l behind Wotchalike (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Jabo (FR) 50-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 7th of 18, 35l behind Roll Along (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct.
Mill House Girl (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Prominent, led before 3rd, 3 lengths clear after 3 out, headed before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Kalderon (11-1) at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Ofarel D'airy (FR) 6-4fav (11-2) Raced wide, tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led narrowly 4 out, went left last, headed early run-in, kept on but not pace of winner, 2nd of 18, 1 1/2l behind Roll Along (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct.
