towards rear, pushed along halfway, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
towards raer, pushed along 4 out, soon ridden and no impression
made all, held on well towards finish
held up towards rear, struggling 12th, tailed off when pulled up flat
chased leaders, effort 2 out, no extra approaching last
in touch, ridden and weakened 13th
chased leaders, outpaced 12th
prominent, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
held up towards rear, headway halfway to chase leaders, went 2nd 11th, mistake 3 out, effort last, kept on under pressure
towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
towards rear, never dangerous
A competitive hunters chase her but something has to win and the main protagonists look to be Natiain, Just In Debt and Anshan Spirit and the narrow vote is given to Natian. The selection was progressive last season and won well when beating Anshan Spirit when last seen, he goes well fresh and under conditions that suit he looks the one to be on. Just In Debt rates the main danger on his latest second behind Belem Ranger but he often finds less than expected off the bridle and at likely odds he is taken on. Anshan Spirit has a bit to find with Natian on last seasons form. Plutocrat needed the run last time out and should strip fitter here so he could go well at a price. Colourfukl Life would have a chance but will get minimal assistance from the saddle and for the winner we return to Natian.
Colourful Life (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) In touch, outpaced 4 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, 7th of 14, 49l behind Willie The Fish (10-6) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Just In Debt (IRE) 10-3 (11-4) Tracked leaders, every chance 4 out, ridden and led briefly after next, kept on one pace, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Belem Ranger (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd in Feb.
Natiain 4-9fav (12-2) Jumped well, made all, 7 lengths clear last, idled flat, held on well towards finish, won at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) gf in Apr beating Anshan Spirit (11-4) by 1l, 10 ran.
Plutocrat 11-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, weakened from 12th, soon behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Belem Ranger (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd in Feb, 14 ran.
Anshan Spirit (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Held up, mistake 8th and hampered, never dangerous, 5th of 12, 17l behind Sleeping Night (11-7) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) sft in Feb.
The Miner 6-1 (12-5) (cp) prom til wknd aft 14; t.o, 7th of 18, 37l behind Behavingbadly (12-5) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Feb.
High Expectations (IRE) 200-1 (11-9) Led to 5th, soon lost place, 6th of 12, 32l behind Sleeping Night (11-7) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) sft in Feb.
Prince Mouse 125-1 (11-0) Chased winner until appoaching last, one pace, 3rd of 6, 27l behind Frankie Figg (11-0) at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Feb.
Robbers Glen (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, hit 9th, behind when unseated rider at the 12th in race won by Sleeping Night (11-7) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) sft in Feb, 12 ran.
The Names Bond 9-4fav (10-9) Towards rear, weakened 11th, beaten when fell 4 out in race won by Snowy (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Dec '06, 7 ran.
Daffi (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Chsd ldrs til outpcd 14, 3rd of 7, 22l behind Sea Scout (11-7) at Overton 3m ptp gd in Feb.