held up, headway 9th, ridden and struggling 13th, well behind when fell 4 out
held up, chased leading trio 12th, ridden when blundered and fell 3 out
prominent, lost place 8th, no chance and struggling after
led, hit 14th, mistake and headed soon after 3 out, lost 2nd 2 out, rallied to press for 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
in touch, lost place before 10th, left moderate 4th 3 out
chased leaders, slow jump 6th, mistake 8th, mistake and lost place 10th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, tracked leading pair 10th, driven along from 13th, chased leader approaching 2 out, led approaching last, driven clear flat
in touch, driven along and lost place 9th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up after 11th
This is a poor race but something has to win it so we will side with Optimistic Alfies with Dr Mann and Star Glow being the main dangers. The selection is still a maiden after twelve outings and obviously is no word beater but he has not been the best handicapped horse in the world and now might be in with a shout has he has a nice racing weight to carry. He also caught the eye last time out when running into third place behind Solid As A Rock at Taunton. That form just might be good enough to land this poor contest so with that in mind is worth following. Dr Mann had been knocking on the door finishing second at both Uttoxeter and here over course and distance. In the process he was becoming a frustrating horse to follow and then ran poorly around Lingfield on heavy ground last time out. He is not one to trust but if back to his best would have the ability to win. But for the winner we return to Optimistic Alfies.
Star Glow 20-1 (11-5) Always behind, driven 10th, soon struggling, 6th of 11, 34l behind Lescer's Lad (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
La Concha (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Behind, mistake 6th, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden and beaten before 2 out, 4th of 10, 23l behind Carnt Spell (10-5) at Towcester 2m 3f chs 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.
Saddlers' Son (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) In touch, mistake 6th, hampered next, soon beaten, 10th of 18, well behind Malko De Beaumont (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Dec.
Pardini (USA) 25-1 (11-9) Reminders after 3rd, always in rear, lost touch after 5th, tailed off, 10th of 12, well behind Norton Sapphire (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft.
Poppy Maroon 14-1 (11-4) Led, blundered 8th, headed 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 27l behind Just Poppytee (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft.
Dr Mann (IRE) 4-1fav (10-12) Prominent early, not fluent and lost place 4th, struggling 11th, 8th of 14, 32l behind Star Glow (10-10) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Mr McDellon (IRE) 80-1 (11-5) Led until 3rd, led again 9th, headed after 14th, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 47l behind Dom d'Orgeval (11-5) at Fakenham 3m beg chs (4) gs.
Optimistic Alfie 12-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, hit 12th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 13, 21l behind Solid As A Rock (10-7) at Towcester 3m chs 0-90 (5) sft in Dec.
Heartofmidlothian (IRE) 100-1 (11-5) Chased leaders to 4th, lost place next, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Santando (11-11) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
