made most, jumped left 4th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, upsides 2 out, kept on and every chance until one pace flat
in touch, joined leader 4th, lost place 10th, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, headway to lead 4 out, ridden and hard pressed 2 out, stayed on well flat
held up in touch, pushed along 9th, soon struggling, behind when pulled up before 11th
tracked leaders, challenged 10th, outpaced 4 out, soon lost place, outpaced when pecked next, soon weakened
FIENDISH FLAME was denied the chance to run at Hexham on Wednesday but can win here instead; the horse to follow him home might be Diablo although Nebeltau and Minella Theatre are considered in a decent contest. Despite a 6lb penalty, Donald McCain's son of Beneficial is fancied to see off Diablo here. Very positive tactics were used when winning on his chasing debut at Carlisle and although he was no superstar over hurdles, the feeling is that he is going to make up into a much nice chaser. His jumping was good and he can put pressure on his rivals in that department. Diablo was highly-tried as a hurdler and has contested two good races over fences. His fencing hasn't been totally fluent but he is still a horse of some potential and rates highly here. Minella Theatre was a decent staying novice hurdler and he represents a yard that excels with their chasers. The market should help guide to his chance on this first start for 215 days but he certainly strikes as a potential improver. Nebeltau returns to the racetrack today after a lengthy spell off, and this former point-to-pointer/hunter chaser will need to be very fit to conquer here against some up-and-coming rivals. Nortonthorpe Lad made his chasing debut in a tough race at Kempton and a combination of this softer ground and longer trip may see him in a better light. An intriguing clash however the step up in trip can bring about further improvement in the selection Fiendish Flame.
Fiendish Flame (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Made all, soon clear, unchallenged, won at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) gd in Oct beating Doeslessthanme (11-2) by 12l, 10 ran.
Diablo (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Chased winner 3rd until ridden after 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Just Amazing (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m nov stks (2) gf in Oct.
Minella Theatre (IRE) 10-3 (11-6) In touch, hit 1st, chased winner approaching last, stayed on flat, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Double Hit (10-7) at Bangor 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Nebeltau (GER) (12-0) won at Loughrea 3m ire ptp gd in Oct '07, 7 ran.
Nortonthorpe Lad (IRE) 10-3 (11-2) Always in rear, never a factor, 4th of 5, 41l behind Bergo (10-13) at Kempton 2m beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
