tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, pushed along 10th, in 3rd and mistake and unseated rider 5 out
made all, not fluent 1st, slow 2nd, clear before 2 out, kept on well
with winner, hit 11th, ridden before 5 out, not fluent 4 out, soon ridden, kept on towards finish, always held
tracked leaders in rear, hit 9th and soon reminders, weakening when left 3rd from 5 out
Mickytaker is only 3lb higher than when opening his account at Southwell earlier this month and is sure to be popular. But this can go to BENEFICIAL REFORM, whose two runs over fences at Kelso and Musselburgh represent stronger form. He's already won a point-to-point so this step up to 3m is certain to suit. Ely Brown hasn't been running badly over hurdles and, as another ex-pointer, should do better now tackling the larger obstacles but Chicago Outfit is already starting to look exposed.
Ely Brown (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) In touch, not fluent and shaken up briefly 5th, lost place before 3 out, no impression from next, 8th of 14, 18l behind Gormanstown Cuckoo (11-11) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Oct.
Beneficial Reform (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Tracked winner until 4th, stayed in 3rd, pushed along one pace and no impression on leading pair before 4 out, well held when mistake 2 out, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Ballycolin (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd.
Chicago Outfit (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, reminders before 10th, outpaced before 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly run-in, went 3rd towards finish, just held for 2nd close home, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Super Ally (11-4) at Kelso 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd.
Mickytaker (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, left in 2nd at 12th, led 4 out, headed approaching next, led again 2 out, stayed on well, won at Southwell 3m hcp 0-100 (5) gd beating Von Galen (10-0) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
