held up in touch, went 2nd before 6th, hit 4 out, 3 lengths down when fell 3 out
held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, hampered 4 out, soon switched right, headway when hampered 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, led approaching last, drew clear flat, stayed on well
prominent, mistakes 3rd and 7th, jumped slowly and reminders next, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
held up, reminder after 5th, headway after 8th, left 2nd 3 out until approaching 2 out, not flent 2 out and soon weakened
tracked leader, raced keenly, lost 2nd approaching 6th, remained handy, hampered 3 out, soon weakened
led, headed approaching last, left 2nd last, no impression
held up, pushed along approaching 4 out, headway after 3 out, every chance approaching last, 1 length down when fell last
held up in rear, raced keenly, headway approaching 4 out, beaten when left 3rd last
BALLYDUB has been given time to get over his fall at Exeter and he is fancied to make the most of the weight he gets from the penalised pair of Synchronised and Sullumo. The selection's form over hurdles was at its best when racing on soft ground and this strapping gelding should appreciate the give underfoot this afternoon. He was beaten at the time of falling on his chasing debut but the form has been franked regardless and a bold bid is expected. Beshabar is a fascinating contender; off the track for 637 days, this former Nick Williams inmate is the sort who could make up into a useful tool over fences and the market should help guide to his chance. Flight Leader got tired on a recent comeback run at Exeter and is considered with that run under his belt, whilst Giles Cross didn't jump a twig at the same track when pulled up behind Inchidaly Rock. Maktu has a pull in the weights with Sullumo, and given the fact that both handle conditions, each is afforded respect. Synchronised is the last to consider; this son of Saddler's Wells was impressive on his chasing debut after overcoming some early jumping flaws and it would be no surprise to see him go well with a talented jockey taking 5lbs off his back. An open affair sure to throw up plenty of future winners, however today could be the day for Ballydub.
Sullumo (GER) 6-5fav (11-3) Held up in mid-division, headway 7th, went 2nd 13th, led after 14th, in command when jumped right 2 out, went slightly right last, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) hvy in Nov beating Maktu (11-3) by 8l, 8 ran.
Synchronised (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Held up and not jump well early, headway approaching 9th, shaken up to lead approaching last, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Nov beating Bluegun (11-2) by 2l, 7 ran.
Ballydub (IRE) 4-9fav (11-4) Tracked leader, not fluent 11th, led after 14th, sluggish jump when headed 4 out, again 3 out, soon beaten, disputing 2nd when fell heavily 2 out, in a race won by Hunters Ploy (11-4) at Exeter 3m beg chs (3) gd in Oct, 4 ran.
Beshabar (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Chased leader, led 2 out, stayed on strongly from last, ridden out, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl G3 (1) gd in Mar '08 beating Sovereign King (10-12) by 4l, 17 ran.
Flight Leader (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Slow jump 1st, tracked leading pair to 4th, rear after but well in touch, headway into 3rd to 14th (5 out), no impression 3 out, stayed on into modest 2nd near finish, 2nd of 4, 5l behind Forest Pennant (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov.
Giles Cross (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Jumped left, pressed leader, led approaching 4th, headed before 4 out, weakened 3 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Inchidaly Rock (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov, 8 ran.
Heathcliff (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly and lost place 9th, blundered 12th, outpaced next, stayed on approaching last, 4th of 8, 26l behind Inchidaly Rock (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov.
Maktu 4-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, headway 13th, chased winner 4 out, ridden and beaten 2 out, awkward last, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Sullumo (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) hvy in Nov.
