led, headed after 2f, led again 4f out, soon clear, easily
chased leaders until weakened halfway, tailed off and pulled up 7f out
in touch, outpaced 7f out, stayed on from 2 out
led after 2f, headed 4f out, one-paced
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened
in touch, behind from halfway, tailed off
in touch, headway 6f out, ridden 4f out, kept on but no chance with winner
held up, headway halfway, ridden over 4f out, 3rd and beaten when swerved left and unseated rider 1f out
Plenty of clues will be provided by the market in what looks to be the stronger of the two divisions of the National Hunt Flat race. Heron's Ghyll is selected as our pick for this race after a fair performance first time out. She was a little unlucky to run into a promising type in Bourbon Manhattan and compensation surely awaits. Alfa Sunrise is clearly in regard at the Bob Buckler stable. He was set to run in a decent contest at Newbury on 27 December but this alternative engagement has been selected. Darina's Boy heads from a stable with a 50% strike rate in these races this term and must be respected on debut. Boardroom Dancer looks the main alternative to our selection. Denis Caro and Peter Scudamore look to be forming a formidable partnership and today's booking of crack conditional Robbie McNally looks highly interesting. Samby looked green at Warwick and looks as if he has plenty of growing to do.