made all, hit 8th, drew clear after 3 out, unchallenged
held up in 4th, progress 9th, went 2nd after 3 out, no chance with winner, jumped left last
raced keenly, prominent, mistake 3rd, chased winner 5th, mistake 8th, lost 2nd after 3 out, soon beaten
mostly chased winner, jumped slowly 4th, jumped slowly next and lost 2nd, slow again 7th (water), hit 8th, driven 9th, weakened 10th
raced keenly, well off the pace in last, until closed 5th, effort 10th, soon beaten, went moderate 3rd after last
Nonrunner
Bishop's Bridge can give Emma Lavelle another winner, with Alrafid, Rapide Plaisir and Launde the principal dangers. With his stable in good heart at present, the scene looks set for Bishop's Bridge to add to last season's tally that included a gutsy victory in the Allied Irish Bank Chase at Ascot 12-months ago. A creditable fifth in a decent contest at Cheltenham on his return to action last month, he will not be easy to place in top company in truth, but should be good enough here. Rapid Plaisir had the measure of Alrafid when they met at Lingfield in September, but the latter is now 6lb better off and can be fancied to turn the tables with that run under his belt. Launde was pulled up at Aintree on his return to action, and is another that might be in the handicapper's grip this term, but his astute trainer will place him well. On this occasion though, it is best to side with Bishop's Bridge.
Bishop's Bridge (IRE) 18-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 9th, joined leaders 10th, ridden to lead after 2 out, headed soon after last, no extra, 5th of 19, 5l behind Knowhere (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Oct.
Alrafid (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Mid-division, mistake 11th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out, 14th of 19, well behind Knowhere (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Oct.
Rapide Plaisir (IRE) 2-1fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, led after 4 out, ridden 3 out, ran on, won at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept beating Alrafid (11-9) by 4l, 7 ran.
Spinaround 22-1 (10-3) Towards rear when fell in race won by Kilmackilloge (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Albarino (IRE) Evensfav (11-13) Towards rear, ridden, headway 3 out, one pace after, 4th of 7, 12l behind Pauntley Gofa (11-2) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Oct.
Launde (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Led, headed approaching 2nd, behind when pulled up at the 6th in race won by Kilmackilloge (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
