prominent, mistake 3 out, switched left approaching 2 out, led briefly approaching last, ran on flat
prominent, hit 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened when mistake last, eased flat
led, ridden and mistake 2 out, soon headed, hung left flat, ran on
held up in touch, hit 13th and 3 out, ridden and headway 2 out, led approaching last, ran on
An interesting contest can go the way of Albuhera over Bewleys Berry and Celtic Son. This race has cut up badly in the main, but it is still pretty difficult to sort out, and only a narrow vote goes to Albuhera who it has to be said impressed us with the manner of his defeat of Copsale Lad at Lingfield. Successful over the useful Rebel Rhythm at Wetherby, he then lost nothing in defeat when third to Accordion Etoile here next time, and just about sets the standard. He proved last time that he can stay and so the extra furlong should not present a problem. Bewleys Berry hacked up on his chase bow at Wetherby, and although he would probably prefer a longer trip, it was hard not to be impressed by his jumping at the Yorkshire track. Celtic Son burst on the scene with a masterly performance in a Grade 2 contest at Wincanton, but let his supporters down badly when turned over by Church Island over three miles here last time. However, a faster pace and this shorter journey will help his cause and he should not be written off just yet. Tony McCoy rides Exotic Dancer who has a bit of a task on, and in what looks a three-cornered affair, we return to Albuhera as the answer.
Albuhera (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Tracked leader to 3rd, regained 2nd 6th, took narrow lead going well 3 out, pushed clear run-in, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Nov beating Copsale Lad (11-0) by 8l, 5 ran.
Celtic Son (FR) 8-13fav (11-8) Held up, headway to track leaders 4 out, hit 3 out, left chasing winner 2 out, no impression when hit last, weakened flat, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Church Island (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (B) gs in Nov.
Bewleys Berry (IRE) 4-7fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, led 4th, clear 2 out, easily, won at Wetherby 3m 1f beg chs (E) gs in Nov beating Briery Fox (11-2) by 12l, 7 ran.
Exotic Dancer (FR) 11-2 (10-13) Took keen hold, chased leader 3rd, bumped 7th, mistake 10th, led 3 out, headed and beaten when mistake last, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Crozan (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (B) gs in Nov.
