tracked leaders, hit 7th, led 2 out, ridden clear last, eased towards finish
chased leaders, ridden after 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
with leader, led approaching 5th to 2 out, soon ridden and beaten
held up and keen, headway after 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened quickly
towards rear, mistake 4th, ridden next, soon weakened
led, jumped right 1st, headed approaching 5th, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
The much improved Master Sebastian is selected to maintain his upward curve, with Baron Monty and Cooldine King expected to provide the sternest tests. The latter will have to show significant improvement if he is to go on from here to Cheltenham next month. The Paul Webber-trained six-year-old holds place claims at best today. Baron Monty is unexposed over hurdles and, after his smooth success over course and distance last month, has to be respected. Still, he lacks the experience of the selection and, as he has to prove himself ready for a battle, he looks a little risky to forward today. Presenting Alf ran his best race to date at Catterick at the start of the month and is one to bear in mind for a small race in the north if he continues to improve. However, Master Sebastian looks the most reliable option for the time being and he is expected to set the standard today.
Baron Monty (IRE) 12-1 Led until 4 out, chased leader, led again approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on under pressure flat, driven out, won at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (D) hvy in Jan beating Mayeul by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Master Sebastian 2-1fav Close up, led 3 out, stayed on strongly, won at Kelso 2m 2f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Jan beating Trisons Star by 2l, 14 ran.
Barton Sun (IRE) 66-1 Prominent, weakened after 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Jorobaden at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (E) sft, 18 ran.
Cooldine King (IRE) 7-1 Chased winner, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Come Bye at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) sft in Jan.
Malko de Beaumont (FR) won at Chateaubriant 1m 5f stk sft in Sept beating Label Du Cochet by 3l, 10 ran.
Maritime Blues 25-1 Chased leaders, weakened after 4 out, 8th of 13, 18l behind Faasel at Kelso 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Presenting Alf (IRE) 33-1 In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 13, 19l behind Classic Capers at Catterick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs.
Beauchamp Prince (IRE) 100-1 In touch, behind from 5th, tailed off when mistake 3 out, 10th of 16, 25l behind Akilak at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Jan.
