prominent, not fluent 8th, led 3 out, pushed along before last, kept on, headed final strides
held up in rear, struggling 7th, tailed off next, pulled up before 3 out
led, hit 8th, headed 3 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, pushed along 2 out, kept on from last
held up in rear, pushed along when not fluent 2 out, made no impression from last
midfield, took closer order 2 out, ridden after last, stayed on to lead final strides
Cudgel seeks a seventh course victory so demands respect, despite a break. Coeur Aimant was 0-15 over hurdles but did show some promise and may make a better chaser. A winner over course and distance in the summer, KICKAFTERSIX has no experience on going this heavy but still has a bit of scope so we’ll take a chance that he handles conditions. The others have some improving to do.
Augharue (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, lost place when not fluent 3rd, headway 8th, every chance 3 out, 3rd and no impression on winner from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 14 3/4l behind Kepy Blanc (10-7) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
Hell On Earth (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Close up, pushed along and lost position before 10th, well behind 4 out, pulled up 2 out, at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (5) hvy in Apr.
Kicksaftersix (IRE) 8-13fav (10-5) Led, headed 2nd, not fluent 5th, not fluent 7th, pressed leader 3 out, briefly led 2 out, soon ridden and outpaced, 6 lengths behind approaching last, no match for winner run-in, 2nd of 3, 14l behind Guinness Affair (12-0) at Hexham 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Cudgel 10-3fav (10-12) In rear, badly hampered 1st, headway before last, weakened towards finish, 5th of 14, 10 1/4l behind Ribeye (11-4) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in May.
Coeur Aimant (FR) 5-4fav (10-4) Prominent, pushed along after 2 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 21 1/2l behind Cuzco Du Mathan (11-11) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (5) sft in Aug.
Bandit D'Ainay (FR) 12-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 10th, disputed lead 4 out, headed 3 out and ridden, gradually weakened and lost 2nd before last, 3rd of 9, dist behind Thunder In Milan (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Sep.
Fearless Action (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, mistake and lost place 1st, struggling 3 out, well behind when not fluent last, 7th of 11, 22 1/4l behind Tonto's Spirit (11-11) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (5) gs in Aug.
