behind, headway before 4 out, every chance after next, no extra closing stages
tracked leaders, lost place before 3 out
led, headed before 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, driven to challenge 3 out, stayed on strongly after last, never reached winner
held up in touch, progress to chase leaders 4 out, led before next, hard driven when strongly challenged after last, all out, just held on
held up in rear but in touch, under pressure before 3 out, soon beaten
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
OCTAGON landed a novices' event on heavy going at Hexham in May and looked to be on the way to a handicap success when brought down at Carlisle. He's been left on the same mark and can gain compensation. Glen Countess returned from a very long break to land a handicap over fences here in May and though pulling up at Cartmel a couple of weeks later obviously goes well fresh and is rated 7lb lower over hurdles. Tresor De Bontee hadn't been in the best of form before a bad mistake put him out of contention at Newbury though he's usually well supported so better must be expected. Seven Devils looked in need of this longer trip when staying on at Newcastle while none of the remainder can be dismissed in what looks a very open finale.
Octagon 11-4 (11-10) In touch, going well when brought down 3 out, at Carlisle 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Tresor De Bontee (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Not fluent, in rear, blundered 2nd, hit 4th, weakened 4 out, never a factor, tailed off and pulled up approaching 2 out, at Newbury 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Glen Countess (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 5th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next, at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in May.
Hainan (FR) 15-2 (11-8) Tracked leader, not fluent 3rd or 6th, led after 7th, ridden and headed before 2 out, no impression before last, lost 3rd flat, 4th of 8, 18 1/2l behind Baywing (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Tomkevi (FR) 33-1 (11-4) Towards rear, headway to chase leaders 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 11, 6 1/4l behind Divine Port (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Seven Devils (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Hled up behind, headway on inside 3 out, went 3rd after next, kept on same pace, no impression, 3rd of 14, 15 3/4l behind Baby Bach (11-0) at Newcastle 2m mdn (5) sft in Nov.
Changing The Guard 4-1 (11-7) Led, hit 3rd, hit and headed 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 5, 20 1/2l behind Gin And Tonic (10-3) at Fakenham 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Timon's Tara 7-1 (10-8) Held up, headway on outside approaching 5th, pushed along chasing leaders before 2 out, kept on same pace in 3rd, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Ruby Rambler (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
