held up in rear, closed 6th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, led narrowly before last, driven out
led, driven and headed when not fluent last, held by winner when not much room and lost 2nd close home
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 5th, 3rd and outpaced 2 out, rallied flat, went 2nd close home
tracked leaders on inside, ridden 4 out, 4th and weakening when fell next
tracked leader until after 5th, not fluent and lost place next, well beaten 7th
held up in last pair, never on terms, well held 4 out, left 4th next
BALTIMORE ROCK won three times over hurdles, including a Grade 3. He hasn't raced since finishing third at Aintree in April and makes his debut over the larger obstacles but could have too much class for these if handling the switch. Katachenko beat a subsequent winner at Wetherby before finishing second here over a longer trip. He's gone up another 4lb but can't be ignored while Carlisle scorer The Grey Taylor is progressing nicely and will have Richard Johnson's assistance. Long Lunch shaped nicely at Sandown and is another to consider.
Baltimore Rock (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, ridden run-in, kept on same pace, 4th of 21, 1 3/4l behind Astre De La Cour (11-1) at Aintree 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
The Grey Taylor (IRE) 4-7fav (11-2) Made all, went left 4 out, clear when not fluent 2 out, eased in closing stages, unchallenged, won at Carlisle 2m (4) gd in Oct beating Silk Hall (11-2) by 10l, 7 ran.
Katachenko (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, led 11th, headed before 4 out, led again and hung left approaching last, headed flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Wings Attract (10-6) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Long Lunch 11-2 (11-8) Led to after 3rd, tracked leaders, led again narrowly 7th, headed briefly after 3 out (usual 4 out), ridden and headed before last, weakened into 4th flat, 4th of 9, 14 1/4l behind Antony (11-3) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Favorite Girl (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, struggling 10th, mistake and unseated rider next, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Monyjean (FR) 6-1 (10-9) Chased leader until after 3 out, weakened before next, mistake last, 7th of 9, dist behind Raven's Tower (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
