made most, drew clear from 2 out, comfortably
soon behind, lost touch from halfway, pulled up before 4 out
not fluent in rear, no chance from halfway
led to 2nd, remained prominent, went 2nd 3 out, one pace from next
in touch, outpaced 3 out, weakened next
in touch to halfway, soon behind
Favourites have won both previous runnings of this contest and ACCORDING TO PETE looks to have a great chance of continuing that run of success, while Mill Side and Emmenso look the main dangers. The Malcolm Jefferson-trained selection acts on most types of ground, and has won on heavy in the past, and also acts at this track as evidenced by a course and distance win last time. He has to give weight to all but one rival here, but his form looks very solid in context and he has stamina in abundance, so we think he can follow up. Mill Side also shoulders the same weight here and steps back up in trip after a Newcastle win last time. On a line through That's Rhythm you'd have to say that Sue Smith's runner has about 7lbs or more to find with the selection, but he can go very well. Emmenso represents respected connections and will relish this bottomless ground. He also has winning form at the track to bring to this, his chasing debut, and he looks very likely to put in a good performance. Jass looks to be the best of the remainder but a win would be a bit of a surprise and we'll take According To Pete to score. (Jonathan Doidge)
According To Pete 2-1fav (10-12) Chased leaders, led 10th, stayed on well from last, pushed out, won at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (3) gs in Oct beating That's Rhythm (10-12) by 2l, 10 ran.
Benbeoch 13-2 (11-12) Chased leaders until lost place 11th, soon behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Has Scored (10-11) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Mar, 9 ran.
Emmenso (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Tracked leader, effort after 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on to lead run-in, won at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Apr beating Or d'Oudairies (10-13) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Jass 9-1 (11-0) Led, headed 9th, driven and weakened 4 out, 5th of 11, 15l behind Mill Side (10-10) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
Rodrigo Gonzales (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, 7th of 10, well behind Sir Harry Ormesher (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Oct.
The Rede Mouse 100-1 (10-12) In touch, outpaced approaching 3 out, 6th of 8, 12l behind Palmers Peak (10-12) at Kelso 3m 1f nov chs (3) gs in May.
Mill Side 9-2 (10-10) In rear, headway approaching 5 out, led 4 out, kept on well, won at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Oct beating That's Rhythm (11-3) by 1l, 11 ran.