led from 2nd, made rest, stayed on well from last
held up in rear, hit and unseated rider 4th
jumped right throughout, took keen hold, led after 1st until 2nd, remained close up, ridden approaching last, one pace
held up in touch, went 3rd approaching 7th, hit and weakened from 9th
led, blundered 1st, soon headed, mistake 5th, jumped slow 6th, soon pulled up
held up in touch, in 4th when fell 8th
A market check is essential as the two likeliest winners of this race have both been off the track for a considerable period of time which could open the door for Ashammar. A chance is taken on the fitness of ALFIE FLITS who translated his smart Flat form to hurdling and enjoyed a successful time in that sphere but has not been seen on a racecourse since finishing in midfield in a Haydock handicap in August 2009. Blackpool Billy didn't reach the same heights as a hurdler but was expected to come into his own over fences; he has been off since finishing well beaten on his chase bow in November 2009 but has to be of interest if retaining his ability. Ashammar ran no more than respectably on his chase bow at Warwick but is entitled to improve for that.
Alfie Flits 20-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, ridden and not fluent 2 out, one pace, 6th of 11, 13l behind El Dancer (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gd in Apr '09.
Ashammar (FR) 11-1 (11-1) Took keen hold, held up in 5th, chased leading trio and pecked 8th, one pace in 4th and held when hit 2 out, mistake and stumbled last, 4th of 7, 13l behind Darby's Turn (11-1) at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) gd.
Blackpool Billy (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up, mistake 7th, soon ridden and well behind, 9th of 11, well behind Role On (10-13) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Nov '08.
More Shennanigans 7-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, mistake 5th, headway next, struggling after 8th, hampered 3 out, no impression, 5th of 11, 28l behind Buds Dilemma (10-5) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-85 (5) gd in Oct.
Prideus (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) With leader, mistake 2nd, led 8th until 10th, led 11th until next, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Phone In (10-10) at Ayr 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Steel Man (IRE) 40-1 (9-8) Towards rear and jumped badly right throughout, soon behind and struggling, tailed off from 7th, 7th of 8, well behind Kosta Brava (11-8) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Oct.
