held up in last, mistake 10th, reminders after next, lost touch from 12th, take off from mistake 15th, pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, went 2nd 6th to 8th, 2nd again 11th, led 4 out, drew clear after 3 out, eased towards finish
chased leader to 6th, 2nd again 8th, led 10th, not fluent 15th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, not chance with winner after 3 out, weakened and lost 2nd approaching 2 out
in touch, reminders after 8th, no fluent next, soon outpaced, rallied approaching 14th, went 2nd before 2 out, no chance with winner
led to 10th, not fluent 12th, struggling before next, went moderate 3rd last
Grenfell represents a stable in good form but he continues to find one too good and so a chance is taken on Blaze Ahead, with Mighty Matters also rated a danger. Brendan Powell's course and distance winner is certainly no good thing here as he has shown both jumping frailties and a distinct lack of pace in the past. However his run behind Money Line last time out at Plumpton reads well in the context of this race and proven on any ground he should run well. Boardroom Dancer needs a check in the betting returning from such a lengthy absence, so a more likely danger could be Grenfell. The Twiston-Davies camp are in top form but history shows that the stables horses tend to falter in November and thus we will take the horse on. Blinkers are employed once again for this bridle horse. Mighty Matters stayed on strongly to score last time out at Wincanton and assuming that he is fit after his absence, he is likely to appreciate today's longer trip. Croc On Oir completes the field and for a horse who has a terrific strike-rate of a win every three races over fences, his price may not truly reflect his chance. Albeit out of form of late, he is not one to take lightly. An open race despite the small field, and the tentative vote goes to Blaze Ahead.
Croc An Oir (IRE) 33-1 (9-13) Behind when brought down at the 14th in race won by Mister Apple's (9-7) at Cheltenham 3m 1f amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct, 14 ran.
Mighty Matters (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) In touch, led 11th to 12th, led again approaching 4 out, ridden after 3 out, clear when pecked last, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m 5f amt hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in May beating Magical Harry (11-9) by 9l, 6 ran.
Grenfell (IRE) 11-10fav (11-3) Held up, headway 12th, blundered 3 out, weakened last, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Junctiontwentyfour (10-9) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Oct.
Blaze Ahead (IRE) 7-1 (10-3) In touch, headway 9th, one pace approaching 2 out, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Money Line (11-2) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Boardroom Dancer (IRE) 85-40fav (11-9) Left in lead 2nd, made rest, unchallenged, won at Huntingdon 3m amt hcp chs (5) gd in Feb '06 beating Lambrini Bianco (10-7) by 22l, 13 ran.
