held up last, plugging on but no chance when fell 2 out
raced keenly, led, went clear 5th, reduced lead when hit 9th, headed stumbled and weakened next, poor 3rd when pulled up after 2 out
tracked leading pair, close 2nd 4 out, ridden between last 2, challenged last, led run-in, asserted final 100 yards
chased leader who went clear 6th, clever next, closer at 9th, led next, pushed along before 2 out, joined last, ridden and headed run-in, no extra final 100 yards
NonRunner
Up The Straight was no match for Chantry House at Ascot on his chasing bow but a bit unlucky when hampered and unseating his rider at Plumpton 11 days ago. Placed in points and twice a winner over hurdles, he should be good enough to win over fences in the neat future but could be taking on another above-average novice here in UMBRIGADO. David Pipe has his team in great form and his seven-year-old was caught out by a lack of experience at Uttoxeter and eased in the closing stages. The others look to be making up the numbers.
Born At Midnight 16-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped left 3rd, ridden after 5th, weakened quickly after 3 out, 6th of 9, dist behind Poucor (10-12) at Hereford 2m mdn (5) gs in Jan.
Staithes (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) (h) fell 2, at Larkhill 3m gd in Dec.
Umbrigado (IRE) 11-10 (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden after 3 out and outpaced, kept on behind easy winner, 2nd of 3, 10l behind Northofthewall (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f (3) sft in Dec.
Up The Straight (IRE) 6-5fav (10-12) Chased leaders, jinked right to avoid faller and unseated rider 7th, at Plumpton 2m 4f (3) sft in Jan.
Bit Of A Legend 300-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, left 3rd at 7th, hit next, weakening and in rear when mistake 9th, tailed off, 5th of 7, dist behind Twenty Twenty (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 4f (3) sft in Jan.
