led, ridden 4 out, headed after 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, behind from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened after 7th
always in rear, tailed off 5th, pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, tailed off from 5th, pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
soon in touch, ridden 4 out, weakened next
mid-division, smooth headway 4 out, led after 3 out, ridden when hit last, ridden out
held up, headway 6th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, weakened last
tracked leaders, weakened on long run to 4 out
towards rear, some progress after 7th, weakened 4 out
mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, chased leader 3 out, one pace last
in touch, ridden and one pace from 2 out
Withdrawn
A minefield for punters; the lengthy shortlist consists of Bai Zhu, Michel Le Bon, King Fontaine and THREATENING TO PAY, with narrow preference for the latter. The selection has only had one start under rules, a good third behind Keki Buku at Wincanton. Considering this former Irish point-to-pointer has won over three miles before, it is natural that he is now stepped up in trip. Bai Zhu was a bumper winner at Towcester in November and must be considered on his jumping bow; he represents the in-form Henderson yard and although unlikely to be a great price, looks a huge danger. King Fontaine didn't look the quickest when beaten into third over this course and distance last time. It may be that he comes on for that run, but perhaps a longer trip could see him winning. Stablemate Michel Le Bon was beaten by Shalone on his sole bumper start at Wincanton. That form looks smart with the winner going on to hurdling success since and he is interesting if supported in preference of his mate in the yard. Peppertree Lane was a smashing flat horse but hasn't looked in love with hurdling; he tries cheek-pieces today but the feeling is that he still wants a longer trip over the sticks. Perkin Warbeck and newcomer The Accordionist join Thetwincamdrift as other for major consideration, but in a tricky heat it is Threatening To Pay who can oblige.
Bai Zhu (IRE) 13-2 (10-9) Keen, prominent, led 4f out, headed 3f out, led again inside final furlong but hanging left, won at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov beating Aussie Deal (10-7) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Baren De Doc (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Led, hit 5th, ridden after 3 out, headed after next, kept on same pace from last, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Charity Lane (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy.
Beware Chalk Pit (IRE) 150-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon struggling, 16th of 18, 35l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Cobra (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, blundered 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 9, 23l behind Duke of Miskin (10-11) at Chepstow 2m 4f hdl (3) hvy.
Hennerwood Elm 40-1 (11-1) In touch and keen, weakened after halfway, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Award Winner (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Dec '07.
Huntingford (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Chsd ldrs til outpcd app 13, 5th of 10, 28l behind What Of It (11-7) at Bredwardine 3m ptp gd in May.
Intensifier (IRE) 14-1 (10-1) In touch until weakened over 3f out, 8th of 12, 17l behind Snowberry Hill (10-6) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (6) pol (Flat).
Lord Shark (IRE) 14-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and lost place 4 out, 6th of 7, 34l behind Toby Belch (11-4) at Ascot 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Michel Le Bon (FR) 6-4fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden in close 3rd over 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 17, 2 1/2l behind Shalone (10-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Jan.
Peppertree Lane (IRE) 1-2fav (10-12) With leaders, pushed along approaching 3 out, every chance next, kept on same pace, 2nd of 16, 4l behind Palm Reader (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs.
Sound Stage 7-4jt-fav (11-7) Bd 3 brought down in race won by Earth Moving (12-0) at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Feb, 16 ran.
The Accordionist (IRE) Accordion gelding out of Tago Mago.
Thetwincamdrift (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (10-12) Mid-division, close order 6th, ridden and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 14, 4l behind Great Endeavour (11-8) at Towcester 2m 5f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Nov.
Threatening To Pay (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Chased leader, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on from last, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Keki Buku (10-12) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Perkin Warbeck 14-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, kept on same pace from 3 out, 4th of 21, 21l behind Kangaroo Court (10-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
King Fontaine (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, every chance 2 out, one pace last, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Bensalem (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
