led, blundered 3 out, driven when headed after next, weakened last
tracked leaders, led after 2 out, ridden when collided with challenger at last, headed towards finish, no extra
tracked leaders, under pressure 3 out, soon no impression
held up in touch, slow 4th, headway 4 out, driven to challenge 2 out, every chance when collided with leader at last, stayed on under pressure to lead close home (4 fences omitted)
took keen hold tracking leaders, weakened 2 out
always in rear, weakened after 4 out, tailed off
BALDING BANKER is a first runner for Ferdy Murphy's former assistant Rebecca Menzies and can get the yard off to a flying start. He's had a rest since disappointing over a longer trip here in June but goes well fresh and doesn't look badly treated. Twentypoundluck, on the other hand, has plenty of weight considering he only won a four-runner novice chase at Perth in July while Rudemeister is still seeking a first win over fences and fell over course and distance when last seen. Carrigdhoun probably needs further and both Grey Soldier and Polarbrook are infrequent winners.
Twentypoundluck (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leader, led after 4 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on, won at Perth 2m nov chs (4) gs in Jul beating Mulligan's Man (10-12) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.
Balding Banker (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Mid-division, went 4th approaching 6 out, chased leader before 3 out, weakened after last, 4th of 11, 20l behind Bobble Hat Bob (11-5) at Hexham 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Jun.
Grey Soldier (IRE) 10-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 3rd, pressed for 2nd after 6th, pushed along and lost touch from 10th, well behind 3 out, last of 3, 34l behind Dineur (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f nov chs (3) gf in Sep.
Rudemeister (IRE) 11-10fav (10-12) With winner, led narrowly 11th, 1/2 length advantage and staying on when fell 2 out, in a race won by Bygones Of Brid (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Jun, 8 ran.
Carrigdhoun (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Led headed before 4 out, reagained lead 4 out, headed 3 out, kept on same pace no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Royale Knight (10-0) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in May.
Polarbrook (IRE) 9-4 (11-11) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders after 4 out, ridden and one paced from next, 3rd of 6, 15l behind Piper Hill (11-12) at Bangor 3m nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Aug.