chased leading pair throughout, reminders from 2nd, never travelled well after, lost touch 5 out, continued tailed off
pressed leader, led 7th, hit and headed narrowly 4 out, soon ridden, regained narrow lead 2 out, held on under pressure flat
led to 7th, tracked winner, led again narrowly 4 out, headed narrowly 2 out, shaken up and every chance approaching last, ridden flat, kept on, just held
Nonrunner
This is tricky as TRILLERIN MINELLA came good over these fences last month but had a bit of luck when left clear in the closing stages. He may still prove the best of these ahead of The Happy Warrior. The latter did not help his cause with a bad stumble at Taunton and was beaten nine lengths in second. But he's gone close off today's mark over hurdles and makes more appeal than both Lord Lir and River D'Or on recent form.
Trillerin Minella (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Led until after 4th, chased leaders, led again 7th until 9th, chased leader, stumbled badly 13th, led again after 13th until approaching 4 out, left in lead 2 out, ridden and in command when hit last, driven out, won at Ffos Las 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Oct beating Matripajo (10-7) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
The Happy Warrior 11-4fav (9-13) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, ridden and headed 3 out when stumbled badly, not recover, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Knockalongi (10-10) at Taunton 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs.
River D'or (FR) 7-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, went 3rd 5 out, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 9, 33l behind Tuskar Rock (10-11) at Chepstow 3m am hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft in Oct.
Lord Lir (IRE) 5-2fav (10-13) Chased clear winner until 9th, ridden 12th, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Frizzo (11-10) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs.
