with leader, mistake 3rd, led 6th to 7th, led again after 9th, ridden approaching 2 out, hung right approaching last and flat, driven out
held up in touch, headway 9th, chased winner 13th to approaching 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, pushed along 12th, ridden and every chance last, switched left and stayed on towards finish
led, headed and mistake 6th, led again 7th to after 9th, weakened 4 out
Nonrunner
The form figures from Cordillla do not tell the whole story about the seven-year-old, as he is progressing well and is fancied to prove a few points today. The in-form Schuh Shine and Flight Command are expected to put up the most resistance. The latter has taken well to fences and is suited by a good, galloping surface. However, he may not want it too testing underfoot and has it to do with the selection at the weights. Schuh Shine benefited from a positive ride when he made most of the running to win a conditional riders handicap at Southwell last month, before following up in good style at Kempton a week later. However, he will do well to maintain the gallop on this surface and could be there for the taking near the finish. Which is where Cordilla is expected to be seen to best effect. Nicky Richards' charge has stayed on as if this trip would suit when he was last seen out. Which is also boosted by the fact that Cordilla is unbeaten in the four races over hurdles and fences that he has actually completed. Therefore, if can stay out of trouble today, it is safe to assume that he is very capable of winning a race like this.
Schuh Shine (IRE) 15-8fav Made all, joined and pressed from 3 out, narrow lead when mistake last, driven out flat, won at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Jan beating Brown Teddy by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Onyourheadbeit (IRE) 4-1 Tracked leaders, led after 6th, headed next, remained close up, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on well from last, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Flight Command at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (C) sft in Jan.
Special Conquest 14-1 Prominent early, lost place after 6th, behind 12th and pulled up at the 13th in race won by Lodestar at Kempton 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Jan, 8 ran.
Pollensa Bay 25-1 Mid-division, ridden 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 31l behind Kenzo Iii at Ludlow 3m beg chs (E) gs.
Flight Command 6-4fav Tracked leader, led 5 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on well from last, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (C) sft in Jan beating Onyourheadbeit by 2l, 5 ran.
Cordilla (IRE) 11-8fav Held up in touch, blundered 9th, went 2nd 5 out, led 3 out, not fluent next, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m 4f beg chs (E) gs in Jan beating Oliverjohn by 10l, 6 ran.
Time To Reflect (IRE) 11-4 Held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 5th, chased winner after 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 12, 22l behind Brandy Wine at Ayr 3m amt hcp hdl (F) hvy.
