in rear when blundered badly 2nd, never on terms, pulled up before 4 out
held up, outpaced 13th, rallied briefly after 4 out, weakening when jumped slowly 2 out, soon pulled up
chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, rallied to lead 3 out to 2 out, one pace flat
made most to 3 out, no extra approaching last
close up, weakening when blundered 3 out, pulled up before next
held up, headway 4 out, soon outpaced, rallied to lead last, kept on
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, headway when blundered 3 out, not recover
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A poor contest and despite his quirky nature LEADING ARTICLE looks the one to be on. Of the others Cooldine Lad is worth considering and Tully Cross might make the frame. Leading Article has seen plenty of action on the track, this being his ninth start since July 24. Evan Williams' gelding does take his racing well and was an easy Fontwell scorer a couple of starts back. Although beaten at Wincanton the other day, he ran well enough in defeat to suggest that he can get his nose in front against this mediocre bunch. In contrast Cooldine Lad has few miles on the clock and we assume connections feel he has some ability given that he has had just six starts in three seasons, but they are happy to persevere with him. His last run featured a heavy fall so he does need some confidence, but stranger things have happened in racing. Tully Cross has a record of 0-22, but he has gone close on a few occasions and trip and ground both suit, so he has frame claims. Fisherman Jack is a bit long in the tooth but that did not prevent him from taking a Sedgefield stayers' contest last time and he will relish conditions too, so he can't be ruled out.
Abzuson 40-1 (10-9) Led to 11th, weakening when hampered on inside after 5 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Dream Garden (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft, 9 ran.
Cooldine Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, outpaced when fell 3 out in race won by Reckless Venture (10-6) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar, 12 ran.
Fisherman Jack 9-1 (10-0) Held up mid-division, headway and in touch 10th, led 12th, made rest, stayed on well from 2 out, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jun beating Shulmin (10-4) by 4 1/2l, 11 ran.
Midnight Gunner 18-1 (11-12) Behind, outpaced 10th, kept on under pressure approaching last, never near leaders, 6th of 18, 22l behind Lethem Present (9-11) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs (5) gf in May.
Reasonably Sure (IRE) 11-2 (10-9) Chased leaders, weakened 10th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Golden Feather (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Sept, 14 ran.
Tully Cross (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-2) Chased leaders, every chance 4 out, weakened after 2 out, 4th of 12, 19l behind Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
August Rose (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Lady Sambury (9-13) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in May, 12 ran.
Leading Article (IRE) 4-1 (10-8) Held up, headway 11th, stayed on to go 3rd from 2 out, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Smoke Trail (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs.
Mr Twins (ARG) 28-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs, 12 ran.
Presenting Alf (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 4 out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 11l behind Huckleberry (10-13) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
Shulmin 9-1 (10-6) Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten, 7th of 15, well behind Bauhaus (11-4) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jul.
