held up, ridden 12th, headway 14th, weakened after 15th
tracked leaders, closer order 9th, hung left and led approaching 2 out, headed soon after and weakened last
held up, headway 15th, led approaching last, soon clear, ran on
tracked leaders, lost place and behind from 3rd
led, headed 6th, mistake 9th, led again 12th, ridden and weakening when headed 3 out
tracked leader, lost place 7th, weakened 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
tracked leader, led 6th, ridden and headed 12th, weakening when mistake 14th, blundered next
Sungates is the confident selection ahead of Kilbeggan Pride and Over Bridge. The ten-year-old is a relatively safe conveyance over the larger obstacles and having shown form on this surface, there is much more in his favour than most. Kilbeggan Pride was a maiden in Ireland but has managed to get his head infront since joining Tom George. He seems to appreciate any ground. Over Bridge has made a habit of finishing "second-to' in his career. With stronger opposition obtaining, this could be repeated here. Waterberg has had many chances and is opposed. Mareoflot is watched in the market for any signs of confidence. River Quoile is likely to be ridden to the front although he is plenty exposed at lower levels. Sungates looks the class act in this race and we select him accordingly.
Kilbeggan Blade 9-2 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 13th, ridden 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 3rd of 11, 12l behind Red Echo (10-4) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Jun.
Mareoflot (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Held up, progress halfway, 6th 6 out, 4th before 2 out, stayed on well from last, 3rd of 18, 2l behind Penny Hall (10-8) at Listowel 3m hcp chs 0-109 gd in Sept.
Sungates (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 14th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, kept on flat, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Catch The Perk (11-12) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Sept.
Waterberg (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden and weakened 7th, last of 11, well behind Lawyer Des Ormeaux (11-11) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Over Bridge 10-3 (11-2) Bumped 1st, soon pressing winner, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, jumped right 2 out, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 16l behind Legal Glory (11-2) at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd in Sept.
Five Alley (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Mid-division, lost place 6th, headway 8th, outpaced after 10th, 8th of 13, 41l behind Jockser (10-9) at Exeter 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in May.
River Quoile 10-1 (10-13) Led, headed and mistake 2nd, ridden and weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Sam Adamson (9-11) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Sept, 17 ran.
