led until fell 3rd
chased winner from 3rd until 4 out, soon one pace
held up, hit 5th, pulled up before 7th
chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next
in touch until 7th, soon behind, held off and pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders until 7th, jumped slowly next, soon well behind
chased leaders until 5th, soon behind, pulled up before 8th
held up, mistake 2nd, headway 7th, chased winner from 4 out, every chance 2 out, not pace of winner, hit last
prominent, left in lead 3rd, stayed on strongly from 2 out comfortably (1st 3 fences in back straight omitted)
always towards rear, tried to duck out and unseated rider 3 out
Mystical Star was good value for his seven-length defeat of Five Alley at Plumpton last time and while a 10lb rise since then looks harsh he is preferred to Glenogue and Barton Gate. The last mentioned has the ability to play a part but Paul Keane's gelding has plenty of weight to carry and has a long absence to overcome so may be best watched. Just Muckin Around disappointed at Stratford last time but has claims on earlier form, while this looks a lot tougher than the race that Romany Dream won at Warwick last time, especially off his new mark. Walcot Lad should strip fitter for his recent return at Fakenham and is another to consider along with the reappearing Julies Boy and recent Taunton winner Charliemoore. The unexposed Glenogue is potentially well treated but there was plenty to like about the way that Mystical Star won at Plumpton and he is taken to follow up.
Barton Gate 5-1 (11-7) With winner to 8th, weakened before next, soon tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Hiers De Brouage (11-12) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft.
Romany Dream 5-2 (11-3) Always prominent, led 5 out, mistake and headed briefly 3 out, ridden clear approaching last, won at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Oct beating Kaikovra (10-11) by 3l, 8 ran.
Wild Power (GER) 6-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, hit 4th, lost place 8th, rallied 3 out, chased leading pair 2 out, switched flat, no impression, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Romany Dream (11-3) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Oct.
Charliemoore 8-1 (11-2) Prominent, led 9th, quickened clear on bit after 4 out, wandered approaching 3 out and 2 out, comfortably, won at Taunton 2m 3f sll hcp chs 0-95 (G) frm in Oct beating Pristeen Spy (9-10) by 6l, 11 ran.
Just Muckin Around (IRE) 7-2 (10-2) Held up in touch, hit 6th, not fluent 4 out, weakening when jumped slowly 3 out, 4th of 5, 38l behind Hakim (11-7) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft in Oct.
Walcot Lad (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 8th, hit 13th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 11, 24l behind Reverse Swing (10-3) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Oct.
Mystical Star (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Took keen hold tracking leaders, went 2nd 9th, led 3 out, soon clear, eased flat, won at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (F) gd in Oct beating Five Alley (11-12) by 7l, 9 ran.
Julies Boy (IRE) 5-1 (10-1) Pressed leader, led narrowly 8th, not fluent and headed 4 out, ridden after next, no extra, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Myson (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Mar.
