prominent, ridden 11th, weakened approaching 4 out
in touch, ridden 11th, soon lost touch
led, ridden after 11th, headed approaching last, jumped well to lead after last, hard ridden and headed close home
chased leader, ridden 4 out, kept on one pace from 3 out
held up last, blundered 11th and lost place, kept on same pace from 3 out
in touch, chased leader from 10th, chased leaders on bit 3 out, ridden and challenged 2 out, led approaching last, headed after, rallied to lead close home
prominent, mistake 5th, ridden and chased leader 11th to 4 out, weakened 2 out
Liberty Ben is given the vote in this tricky little handicap; Storm Of Applause and Avesomeofthat make it to the shortlist. Robert Alner's gelding has run well fresh in the past and returning from a break of 175 days this afternoon, the seven-year-old is fancied to win on ground that suits. Seafield Bogie is consistent and should again run his usual game race, however he looks high enough in the weights at present. In contrast Cossak Dancer is slowly edging down the weights and has run well off this mark in the past, whilst Avesomeofthat is ultra consistent and should be involved in the finish. Beluga is out of his depth, whilst Manly Money has plummeted down the weights. He is capable on his day and whilst he isn't getting any better at the age of nine, the former Paul Nicholl's inmate shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. Storm Of Applause completes the lineup and should be monitored carefully in the betting for support on his chasing debut. We will return then to Liberty Ben who can shrug off a 6lb rise in the weights and record another victory.
Seafield Bogie (IRE) 15-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, outpaced 4 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 16l behind Patman Du Charmil (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov chs (3) gf.
Avesomeofthat (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden and outpaced 4 out, stayed on, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Rapide Plaisir (11-2) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept.
Cossack Dancer (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) In touch, led approaching 8th, headed after 9th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 5th of 7, 15l behind Rapide Plaisir (11-2) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept.
Liberty Ben (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Made virtually all, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in May beating Or Apple's (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Storm of Applause (IRE) 11-4fav (10-7) Raced keenly, tracked leader, blundered 3rd, outpaced when hampered before 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Scutch Mill (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Sept.
Manly Money 11-1 (11-6) Towards rear, jumped slowly 8th, behind and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Cresswell Willow (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Jun, 9 ran.
Beluga (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Mid-division, struggling after 11th, 8th of 11, 36l behind Donovan (11-3) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Aug.