towards rear, ridden 3 out, no impression
mid-division, ridden 3 out, kept on from last to lead run-in, driven out
mid-division, weakened from 8th, pulled up before last
prominent until ridden, weakened after 6th
mid-division, smooth headway to lead 8th, ridden approaching last, headed, no extra run-in
led, headed 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
always towards rear
tracked leaders, outpaced 7th, ridden, kept on one pace from 3 out
Nonrunner
Accordello is more than capable of taking a hand in the finish of this contest but Keith Reveley's mare may be a shade high in the weights for her return and preference is for Hi Dancer, with Role On rated the pick of the remainder. The selection was in good form when last seen over hurdles, winning his last three starts, comes here fit from the flat and Pat Haslam's gelding is taken to make a winning return off an admittedly career high mark. Bafana Boy was good value for his win over fences at Carlisle last month and can race off a 13lb lower mark back over hurdles today but he was well held off today's mark when last seen over timber and Howard Johnson's gelding may have to settle for minor honours today. Silver Sedge is another that reverts to hurdling having won over fences last time but this is likely to be a preparation race before going back over the larger obstacles. Jim The Gent is less exposed than most and has to be respected but a bigger threat is likely to come from a similarly lightly raced runner in the shape of the Nicky Richards-trained Role On. This looks a decent contest and the vote goes to Hi Dancer, who is taken to resume winning ways over hurdles.
Hi Dancer 11-2 (10-9) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Jun beating Hot Zone (10-11) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Accordello (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, 11th of 19, 23l behind Abragante (11-0) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gd in May.
Silver Sedge (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway 12th, led approaching last, kept on well, won at Aintree 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in May beating Rare Society (10-2) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Possextown (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) In touch, driven along 8th, weakened approaching 4 out, 7th of 9, well behind Manbow (10-1) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Oct.
Role On (IRE) Evensfav (11-10) Prominent, smooth headway after 3 out, effort and chance approaching 2 out, no extra run-in, 4th of 17, 22l behind Double Eagle (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Soubriquet (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 3 out, 13th of 15, 29l behind Platin Grounds (10-12) at Perth 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Jim The Gent (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, led approaching 6th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened approaching next, 12th of 18, 28l behind Wee Bertie (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Oct.
Izzykeen 14-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 9th, weakened flat, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Herecomestanley (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Bafana Boy 4-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 10th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, driven out, kept on well, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct beating Tell Henry (10-9) by 2l, 13 ran.
