tracked leader, left in lead 5th, hit 3 out, soon headed, weakened next, lost 3rd approaching last
chased leaders, ridden to challenge approaching 3 out, soon under pressure, weakening when mistake last
mid-division, behind approaching 4th, soon beaten, tailed off
held up in touch, chased leader 6th, led just after 3 out, stayed on strongly, eased close home
led until blundered and unseated rider 5th
behind, struggling 4th, some headway 3 out, never on terms
always in rear, pushed along 3rd, never dangerous, tailed off
This looks between the two previous winners despite their penalties. Break The Chain scored on good ground at Southwell but was less effective when well beaten on a soft surface at Leicester earlier this month. Today's underfoot conditions may not suit and preference goes to ALL FOR FREE. He wasn't beaten far when runner-up here earlier this month before winning in heavy ground over C&D with today's rival Meridiem well behind. Laterly has won three times on the Flat and could figure if taking to the obstacles, but the more experienced Goodwood Starlight, Agapanthus and Alcalde have yet to show any aptitude for the hurdling game.
All For Free (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Raced keenly in touch, chased leader 5th, led next, hard ridden after 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Fakenham 2m nov hdl (4) hvy beating Lady Hight (10-11) by 9l, 7 ran.
Break The Chain 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, reminder after 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 12, 24l behind Credit Swap (11-5) at Leicester 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Agapanthus (GER) 50-1 (11-5) Always in rear, tailed off when pulled up approaching 9th, in a race won by Camden (11-5) at Fakenham 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft, 12 ran.
Alcalde 10-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, headway when jumped left 2 out, never on terms, 7th of 14, 40l behind Gibb River (11-12) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Laterly (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Prominent, ridden to chase leaders approaching 3 out, no extra after last, 4th of 16, 7l behind West With The Wind (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Dec '08.
Meridiem 50-1 (11-1) Raced in rear, pushed along before 3 out, soon beaten, last of 7, well behind All For Free (11-4) at Fakenham 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Practice Round (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Prominent, lost place 7th, soon weakened, 8th of 15, well behind Problema Tic (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Tait's Clock (IRE) 80-1 (11-5) In rear, pushed along after 3rd, hampered next, no chance after 3 out, 9th of 15, well behind Problema Tic (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Goodwood Starlight (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, some headway 3 out, never on terms, 4th of 10, 47l behind Sire De Grugy (11-5) at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (5) gs.
