led and pulled hard early, headed after 4f, led again 7f out, shaken up and ran on well final furlong
held up, some headway over 1f out, never on terms
held up in touch, weakened well over 2f out
tracked leaders, reminders 8f out, soon lost place and behind, pulled up over 3f out
tracked leader, led after 4f, headed 7f out, weakened over 3f out
held up mid-division, keen hold, headway over 4f out, soon ridden and no impression
held up, headway 7f out, soon tracking winner, no extra final furlong
held up, headway over 6f out, chased leaders over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
behind, headway over 6f out, chased leaders over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
This does not look to be the strongest of the two divisions and Johnny Bissett, Boomerang and Hugo Wolf are the three to concentrate upon and Johnny Bissett receives the nomination. The selection disappointed last time out but conditions may have been a little too soft for him on that occasion and a chance is taken on this fairer surface. Boomerang was a relatively cheap purchase who could improve for time. Henry Daly has had winners at this level this season so it would be folly to rule out the four-year-old so readily. Hugo Wolf was backed from 12-1 down to 100-30 on debut but the bookmakers were the ones to be smiling as he could be ruled out from some way away. Good Line hails from a stable that are not afraid of having them fit and ready first time out and the market is accordingly inspected. Richard Rowe has had a quiet year but he saddled a welcome winner last week and Lord Appellare is another to note in the market. Johnny Bissett looks the most obvious selection on formbook evidence and we seek not to oppose.
Johnny Bissett (IRE) 3-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway 6f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 20, 20l behind Den of Iniquity (11-2) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) gs.
Boomerang (IRE) Needle Gun gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Joe Luke.
Fencote Mystery Classic Cliche gelding out of winning jumper Soupinette.
Good Line (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding, half-brother to winning jumpers Bandon Valley and Alright Now M'Lad.
Hugo Wolf (IRE) 10-3 (11-2) Towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden to chase leaders 4f out, soon faded, 8th of 14, 15l behind Private Note (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Little Shilling (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Always behind, 7th of 9, well behind Bally Conn (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Space Mission (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden and weakened over 4f out, 15th of 18, well behind Schiehallion (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (4) hvy in Nov.
Archway Copse Anshan mare out of the winning pointer Finkin.
