tracked leaders, disputed 2nd 4th, took narrow advantage 2 out, bumped approaching last, headed flat, kept on, finished 2nd (awarded race)
led until after 1st, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened quickly approaching 3 out
always towards rear
prominent, led 5th, ridden and narrowly headed 2 out, soon hung left, rallied to lead flat, all out, finished 1st (placed 2nd)
tracked leaders, took keen hold, led after 1st, headed 5th, weakened rapidly, soon pulled up
in touch until lost place after 3rd, headway after 5th, weakened after 3 out
held up, headway 5th, soon ridden, weakened before 3 out
held up towards rear, headway after 5th, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, went poor 3rd last
mid-division, headway 4th, went 3rd approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
DARSTARDLY DICK was made to work hard for his debut win at Wincanton and has a penalty today, however he is expected to lead them home, with Summery Justice and Glenwood Knight viewed as the main dangers. Victor Dartnall's gelding is owned by the 'Cheltenham Or Bust' partnership and whilst that may not be on the agenda just yet, he is a horse of some potential. A winner of a bumper at Taunton on heavy ground, he showed resolution when successful last time at Wincanton and may improve for this slightly longer trip and more testing track. Glenwood Knight ran a good race on his bumper debut at Hexham, and his trainer brings him a long way for this race; if he jumps he should run well getting 7lb from the selection. Callerlilly makes her hurdling debut today and gets weight from the boys, Cloud Nine was well-held last time but drops in trip today, whilst newcomer Summery Justice is a half-brother to the fair Sheebediva, and any market support on debut would be intriguing. Supreme Keano may not be the best-named horse running this week, but his form in two hurdles runs looks solid. All in all this looks a good opportunity for Darstardly Dick to win again.
Darstardly Dick (IRE) 7-4fav (10-9) In touch, mistake 3rd, headway after 3 out, led soon after 2 out, wandered approaching last, drifted left flat, just held on, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct beating Galoshes (10-12) by a shd, 10 ran.
Cloud Nine (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, held up mid division, headway 7th, went 4th after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next, 6th of 16, well behind Fair Point (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Freddy's Star (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Prominent, ridden 3 out, soon no chance, 7th of 13, well behind Mickmacmagoole (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Glenwood Knight (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) In touch, headway and every chance over 3f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Karinga Magic 100-1 (10-12) In rear and keen when fell at the 3rd in race won by Bensalem (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov, 16 ran.
Manmoon (FR) 100-1 (10-12) Led until 3rd, hit next, chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 16, well behind Belcantista (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Something Inside (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) Always behind, weakened 5th and pulled up 2 out in race won by I'm A Legend (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
Summery Justice (IRE) Witness Box gelding out of Kinsellas Rose.
Supreme Keano (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Led, not fluent 1st, not fluent and headed 2nd, lost place when mistake 5th, weakening when mistake 3 out, 6th of 16, 22l behind Bakbenscher (10-12) at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Callerlilly 14-1 (10-5) Led until over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 14, 16l behind Kerada (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs nhf (6) gd in Nov.
