led, soon clear, headed after 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led after 2 out, clear from last
tracked leader until 11th, chased winner after 2 out, no impression approaching last
held up towards rear, mistake 5th, reminders after 9th, behind when blundered and unseated rider 11th
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, in rear from 8th and reminders, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in rear, weakened from 12th, pulled up before last
A very poor race of its type and POLITICAL PADDY is our pick with Solway Bay and Quality Control worthy of the shortlist. Although well held at Carlisle, he showed well for a long way and this contest looks significantly weaker in terms of opposition. Solway Bay represents a yard that are in good form at present. He was only rated a couple of pounds below our selection over hurdles so has to be respected on that basis. Quality Control was a dour stayer over hurdles so should not have any issues in relationto the trip. Dallas Bell's dam was a half-sister to the useful staying chaser, Major Bell, but he does not look to have inherited any of that ability. Cherryland is likely to lead them off at a decent lick but will need to have brushed up on his jumping in order to take a hand come the finish. Political Paddy appears the most reliable option.
Cherryland 66-1 (10-12) Led, pressed 4 out, headed next, soon lost place, weakened last, 4th of 5, 23l behind Ernst Blofeld (11-4) at Carlisle 3m nov chs (3) gs.
Dallas Bell 14-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, stayed on from last, 5th of 15, 8l behind Old Noddy (11-2) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd.
Greenandredparson (IRE) 22-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, blundered and unseated rider 15th, in a race won by Simply Smashing (10-12) at Hexham 4m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd, 7 ran.
Political Paddy 40-1 (10-11) Blundered 1st, in rear, headway 9th, chased leading pair 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace, lost 3rd flat, 4th of 9, 4l behind Mr Woods (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chase (4) gs.
Quality Control (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Always behind, driven and struggling 6th, tailed off, 7th of 11, well behind Gringo (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m beg chase (4) sft.
Solway Bay 18-1 (10-11) In rear, struggling 9th, weakened 4 out, 8th of 9, 45l behind Award Winner (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs.
