with winner until blundered 3 out, weakened next
close up, ridden 3 out, kept on same pace
made most, ridden clear approaching last, ran on, comfortable
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner after 3 out, keeping on same pace when hampered and bumped last
in touch in rear, ridden 12th, soon struggling, tailed off
This is a very decent contest for the track and time of year. Drum Valley's jumping was a lot more convincing at Fontwell last time and his experience will stand him in good stead. Knock House is an interesting recruit to the chasing ranks as he kept good company over hurdles last season and wasn't disgraced. Top Totti has her mares' allowance but also returns from a break, as does Portway Flyer. BROADWAY BUFFALO made an early mistake at Chepstow on his second start over fences last month and never really recovered. But he wasn't given a hard time by Tom Scudamore and that kindness can be repaid here.
Drum Valley 9-2 (11-6) With leader, led 3rd, ridden before 3 out, blundered 2 out, headed before last, switched right run-in, kept on and just held towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Salubrious (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (4) gd.
Broadway Buffalo (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up, bad mistake 2nd, headway after 11th, one pace when left 3rd and hampered 3 out, weakened next, 3rd of 6, 34l behind Southfield Theatre (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f nov chs (2) gs.
Knock House (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Behind, struggling 4 out, never dangerous, 13th of 15, well behind Faugheen (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Portway Flyer (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Prominent, not fluent 7th, ridden before 3 out, lost place approaching next, last of 9, 12l behind Rumble Of Thunder (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gd in May.
The Jugopolist (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Tracked leader until 6th, ridden when not fluent 9th, weakened after 4 out, 3rd of 4, well behind Rum And Butter (11-4) at Stratford 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in May.
Top Totti 10-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, mistake 4th, weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off, 12th of 19, well behind Polly Peachum (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f mrs lst hdl (1) gd in Apr.
