held up in 5th, closed 11th, chased winner 3 out, no impression next
mistakes, led until 3rd, prominent, chased winner 4 out until 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
jumped well, prominent, led 3rd, drawing clear when stumbled slightly 2 out, stayed on well
prominent, lost place approaching 10th, hit 12th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders, not fluent 6th, chased winner 9th until 4 out, weakened from next
held up in rear, headway 9th, weakened approaching 3 out
in rear, jumped slowly 2nd, went remote 5th when jumped left 2 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
With the notable exception of BUDS DILEMMA, the runners in this contest have done little to advertise their claims which leaves Peter Bowen's charge as the default selection despite a 9lb rise for her victory at Worcester. However, that was her first win under Rules and, indeed, the first time that she'd finished in the money so it may not pay to get carried away with the performance. Handtheprizeover struggled in bumpers and over hurdles but may fare better now chasing whilst this is also That Man Fox's first attempt over the larger obstacles. McQueen has each-way claims if at his best but disappointed last time and has never been one to rely on when the chips are down.
Handtheprizeover 18-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, headway when mistake 9th, weakened after 3 out, 5th of 13, 33l behind Wor Rom (10-11) at Southwell 3m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Apr.
Phar Again (IRE) 10-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, mistake 4th, blundered 10th, soon under pressure and weakened, tailed off 13th, behind when pulled up 4out, in a race won by Basoda (11-5) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd, 9 ran.
McQueen (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) Tracked leaders, lost place after 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 29l behind Pistol Basc (11-3) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp 0-90 (5) gd.
Buds Dilemma 8-1 (10-5) Prominent, lost place 4th, ridden 6th, rallied from 4 out, went 2nd last, led flat, stayed on well, won at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-85 (5) gd beating Turn Up (11-4) by 8l, 11 ran.
That Man Fox 66-1 (9-13) Prominent, ridden 8th, weakening when not fluent 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Red Rouble (11-5) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
Killiney Ranger (IRE) 50-1 (11-9) Prominent, raced wide, 5th halfway, soon weakened, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Knocknagow Leader (11-12) at Sligo 2m 1f beg chs in Sep.
Mad Professor (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Held up in touch, ridden 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Reelwill (11-0) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-85 (5) gd.
Phoenix Eye 3-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, hampered 6th, no impression, 6th of 7, 31l behind Skye But N Ben (11-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
The Walnut Tree (IRE) 80-1 (10-2) Tracked leader, led 7th, headed next, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 13, well behind In The Zone (11-6) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.