made virtually all, not fluent 10th, ridden before 4 out, kept on, driven out
in rear and not fluent, went poor 4th from 2 out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, chased winner from 4 out, ridden before and not fluent 2 out, lost 2nd after last, soon weakened
tracked leaders, hit 13th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied from last, soon chased winner, hard ridden and staying on when not much room last 50 yards
tracked winner, led briefly 1st, blundered 6th, mistake 4 out, soon ridden and weakened
On Borrowed Wings found Stratford's 2m4f too sharp on his chasing debut but still managed to make a winning start. He was then sent into Grade 2 company at Newbury where he ran a fine race behind Cois Farraig, suggesting a step-up in trip was needed. His chance is obvious but the 6lb he concedes to MOSTLY BOB may be his undoing. Philip Hobbs' charge, a bumper and dual hurdles winner, was in the process of running a big race on his chasing debut at Newbury but came a cropper four out. As long as that has not affected his confidence he can take this. Adams Island needs a thorough test of stamina and ploughed through the Uttoxeter mud to land a beginners' event in November. He may find this too quick and Lake Legend, who progressed very nicely over hurdles in 2009, will need to jump better than he did on his chasing bow at Taunton though that's a distinct possibility. Elzahann was very fortunate to win at Ayr but is by no means a forlorn hope in what should prove an informative contest.
Adams Island (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Led, headed 3 out, ridden and no extra from last, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Wymott (11-7) at Exeter 3m nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
On Borrowed Wings (IRE) 22-1 (11-8) Took keen hold, held up 5th, hit 3rd, hit 10th, left 3rd at 11th, chased winner 3 out, ridden after next, one pace and no impression from last, 2nd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Cois Farraig (11-1) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov.
Lake Legend 2-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, disputing 2nd after 4 out, no impresison on winner, weakened latter stages, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Rebel Du Maquis (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd in Nov.
Mostly Bob (IRE) 11-2fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, steady headway and in touch 13th, challenged after 5 out, every chance when fell next, in a race won by Major Malarkey (11-6) at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Dec, 16 ran.
Elzahann (IRE) 3-1 (10-7) Tracked leader and keen, led 2nd, headed approaching 3 out, about 10 lengths down in 2nd when left in lead and clear last, eased towards finish, won at Ayr 2m 5f beg chase (4) gs beating Rossini's Dancer (11-0) by 24l, 5 ran.
