raced keenly, close up, went 2nd 4th until 6th, not fluent 8th, outpaced next, closed briefly after 4 out, mistake and weakened 3 out, mistake last
led, not fluent 2nd, headed before 3 out, held after, kept on
pressed leader, not fluent 2nd, lost 2nd when slow 4th, went 2nd again 6th, led before 3 out, stayed on well
NonRunner
MICK PASTOR carries a double penalty having won both starts over fences during the summer. But he won easily at Southwell last time and Paul Nicholls’ charge is just preferred to Swaffham Bulbeck. The latter was beaten only a length at Worcester recently and is weighted to get the better of Courtandbould and Caddyhill, who are also penalised for earlier wins. The former has plenty to find with the selection but the latter made a winning debut over fences with a victory at Sedgefield and could get involved.
Caddyhill (IRE) 11-8fav (11-4) Close up, led 2nd, headed 3rd, jumped ahead 4th, awkward 4 out, drew clear 2 out, pushed out, comfortably, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Away At Dawn (11-0) by 17l, 4 ran.
Courtandbould (IRE) 3-1 (11-1) Chased leader until before 4 out, handy 3rd, disputing 2nd place when mistake 2 out, weakened home turn, duelling for well held 3rd when fell last, at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Swaffham Bulbeck (IRE) 10-3 (11-12) Led, reached at 8th, headed 3 out, still pressing winner flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Admiral's Sunset (10-0) at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Mick Pastor (FR) 5-4 (11-4) Chased leader, blundered 8th, led 2 out, soon clear, won at Southwell 2m (4) gd in Jun beating Courtandbould (10-12) by 19l, 3 ran.