tracked leaders, pecked 3rd, joined winner 12th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon no impression
made virtually all, pecked 3rd, drew clear from 2 out, pushed out, comfortably
with winner, reminders 10th, lost place 12th, struggling 14th, soon no chance with leading pair
Nonrunner
MIGHTY MAN has had his problems but may be able to make the most of the weight that he receives from Forest Pennant and make a winning start over fences. The top class hurdler suffered an injury that was thought to have ended his career at Punchestown in 2007 but he made a remarkable recovery and, even more remarkably, returned to somewhere near his best when chasing home Big Bucks at Aintree. He hasn't often been raced on soft ground but he's a class act who should be able to make his mark over the larger obstacles. Forest Pennant is no back number himself having developed into a decent staying handicap hurdler and he made the perfect start to his chasing career when winning at Exeter. He'll have no problems with the underfoot conditions and will be a tough nut to crack as connections are hopeful that he might prove good enough to take his chance in the RSA Chase. Starburst Diamond was a long way behind Forest Pennant at Exeter whilst Tisfreetdream was flattered to finish as close to Mobaasher as he did at Southwell. They're playing for minor honours at best and there would be no more popular winner than Mighty Man.
Forest Pennant (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) Not fluent 1st and 2nd, held up early, tracked leading pair from 4th, went 2nd 13th, challenged and blundered 3 out, narrow lead 2 out, driven and stayed on to draw clear flat, won at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov beating Flight Leader (10-12) by 5l, 4 ran.
Mighty Man (FR) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, led 4 out, ridden after next, blundered last, soon headed, one pace, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Big Buck's (11-10) at Aintree 3m hdl G2 (1) gd in Apr.
Starburst Diamond (IRE) 17-2 (10-12) Chased leader until mistake 13th, dropped to rear next (5 out), soon ridden and outpaced, last of 4, 34l behind Forest Pennant (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov.
Tisfreetdream (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up, headway to go 3rd after 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Mobaasher (11-1) at Southwell 3m beg chs (3) gd.
