in touch, ridden and outpaced from 3 out
held up, ridden and headway after 4 out, led next, headed after last, one pace
held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced from 3 out
led to 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off
held up, headway to lead approaching 3 out, soon headed, kept on from 2 out
tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, outpaced from next
tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place after 5th, tailed off
tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed approaching next, kept on same pace
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, kept on same pace from 2 out
in touch and keen, stumbled on bend after 4 out, outpaced from next
held up, headway approaching last, soon ridden, led flat, kept on well
According to Pete is selected ahead of Kawagino and Kealshore Lad. The selection capsized at Newbury last time out and while that is a worry when it happens over hurdles, he has looked a progressive type in the past and is forgiven that blip on his card. Kawagino is always underestimated at this grade and may be worth a look each-way if there is any rain. Kealshore Lad may find this trip on the sharp side as he seems best with a sustained gallop and a test of stamina. The handicapper has reacted with a 15lb rise for his recent Haydock success. Regal Heights returns to hurdles after an indifferent start to his chasing career. Rebel Rhythm returns from absence and is watched in the market. It may have proved a tough ask for Tagula Blue to concede weight all around to Jack The Giant last time out but the handicapper is not helping at present. Culcabock continues in good heart and connections are keen to run despite sitting out of the handicap. According To Pete has questions to answer but looks the percentage pick in a fair opener.
Kawagino (IRE) 15-2 (11-9) Behind, hit 2nd, not fluent and reminders 10th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 9, 20l behind The Hairy Lemon (11-12) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Regal Heights (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 9th, weakened approaching 4 out, 7th of 8, 28l behind Howle Hill (10-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.
Tagula Blue (IRE) 22-1 (11-12) Mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on flat, 5th of 11, 11l behind Jack The Giant (11-1) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd.
Rebel Rhythm 9-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 12, 36l behind Westender (11-9) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gd in May '06.
According To Pete 10-1 (10-11) Mid-division when fell at the 7th in race won by Eden Linty (10-11) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Nov, 20 ran.
Kealshore Lad 4-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, led 3 out, clear last, all out towards finish, just held on, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov beating Mendosino (10-8) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Vicario 14-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders when fell 5 out in race won by Franco (10-11) at Towcester 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Nov, 13 ran.
Valiant Shadow (GER) 25-1 (10-3) Chased winner, hit 3 out, weakened under pressure before next, 5th of 13, 10l behind Ring The Boss (10-0) at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (1) hvy.
Khasab (IRE) 7-2fav (11-2) Took keen hold, chasing leaders, lost place and behind after 5th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Mendo (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Nov, 19 ran.
Culcabock (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, led last, driven out, won at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct beating Idarah (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Naiad du Misselot (FR) 5-2fav (10-13) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 47l behind That's Rhythm (11-3) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
