tracked leader, led 8th, headed before 3 out, ridden and no extra approaching last
in touch when fell 9th
held up in rear, headway 10th, outpaced 16th, soon struggling, tailed off
chased leaders, hit 14th, headway 16th, led before 3 out, drew clear from next, easily
in touch until lost place 5th, behind when blundered 10th, pulled up before next
in touch, led 5th to 8th, chased leader, ridden and kept on same pace from 3 out
raced keenly, held up in touch, outpaced 4 out, soon beaten
held up, blundered 8th, reminders 15th, outpaced 4 out, ridden and stayed on under pressure to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner
led 5th, lost place 14th, tailed off when pulled up before last
with leaders, outpaced before 3 out, soon no impression
A marathon trip suits Over The Storm, who may represent good value against the likes of Orki Des Aigles and Bob's Buster, while support for Chabrimal Minster would also be interesting. The last named handles soft ground and, as he still has scope for improvement, the Richard Ford-trained gelding is one for each-way thieves to consider. Bob's Buster has bits and pieces of form that would give him a major chance if on song this afternoon. However, he is also prone to running the odd stinker and has a bit to prove from a career highest mark. Orki Des Aigles will be a big threat if he turns up in the same frame of mind that saw him run away with a Novices' handicap here a fortnight ago. However, a 14lb higher mark leaves him with a stiff test and he also has a bit to prove on these terms. Therefore, it can be worth considering a more sporting play with Over The Storm, who, despite a moderate completion record, has the ability to figure prominently at this level. The lightly raced gelding was in need of the run on his reappearance at Newcastle last week and got tired in the closing stages. However, there were plenty of positives to take from the race and, assuming the ground is not too testing, Over The First rates as a lively contender now that Phil Kinsella seems to have got to grips with his quirks.
Brandy Wine (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 1st and 3rd, weakened 13th and pulled up at the 16th in race won by Almire Du Lia (11-0) at Ayr 3m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Mar, 9 ran.
Profowens (IRE) 11-2fav (11-9) In touch, pushed along 10th, behind from next, 6th of 12, well behind Another Club Royal (11-4) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Apr.
Bob's Buster 40-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 9th, led on bit 3 out, easily, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Oct beating Miss Royello (11-1) by 11l, 6 ran.
Chabrimal Minster 5-1 (11-12) Left in lead 1st, ridden and headed 3 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Bafana Boy (10-6) at Hexham 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
Over The Storm (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Chased leader, ridden and outpaced approaching 13th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 6, well behind Renvyle (11-0) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Orki Des Aigles (FR) 6-1 (10-2) Mid-division, in touch 3 out, smooth headway to lead approaching last, driven out run-in, won at Kelso 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd beating Le Royal (11-9) by 13l, 10 ran.
Primitive Way 11-1 (11-5) Mid-division, pushed along and behind from halfway, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Another Promise (11-12) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Sept.
Ballynure (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, led 13th, headed 3 out, ridden and soon weakened, 6th of 10, 29l behind Orki Des Aigles (10-2) at Kelso 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
