son prominent, led briefly 8th, then again 9th, hit 3 out, left clear 2 out eased flat
held up, fell 2nd
led to 8th, left 2nd 11th, ridden and hit 3 out, 8 lengths down when mistake and unseated rider 2 out
in touch, ridden after 12th, weakened 4 out
blundered badly, nearly unseated rider 8th, always towards rear
always behind, mistake 3rd, reminders 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
mid-division, weakening when slightly hampered 11th
always behind
chased leaders, mistake 1st and 2nd, ridden 10th, hit 13th, mistake 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
prominent led after 8th to 9th, with winner when blundered badly and lost place 11th, soon pulled up
Optimistic Alfie, Renvyle and Mr Splodge are three against the field in another tough race to call for punters and the narrow vote is given to Optimistic Alfie.The selection was a fair third behind General Grey last time out, that form has since been franked and as he looks sure to come on for the run under conditions that should suit. Renvyle rates the main danger as he won with a little in hand last time out, but that was a falsely run race and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Mr Splodge is another that could go well on his latest second behind Cociembe although he will do well to give weight and a beating to some less exposed types. Peddars Way looks well in on his best form but he may just need the run after a 563 day absence. Of the remainder, Hehasalife has the ability to go close but is often let down by his jumping, and for the winner we return to Optimistic Alfie.
Mr Splodge 17-2 (11-5) In touch, went 2nd at 10th, ridden 4 out, kept on under pressure, no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Cociembe (10-11) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Oct.
Optimistic Alfie 12-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 13th, soon ridden, mistake, lost 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 6l behind General Grey (11-8) at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in May.
Blazing Hills 16-1 (11-12) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, soon beaten, 2nd of 9, 9l behind Bay Island (11-10) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs.
Peddars Way 5-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 9th, weakened after next, 4th of 13, 24l behind Tomina (11-12) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Apr '05.
Ad Murum (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, lost place 11th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 13, well behind Flash Cummins (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Oct.
Renvyle (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Held up, ridden and headway 14th, stayed on well to lead flat, won at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd beating Aegean (11-5) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Hehasalife (IRE) 8-1 (10-1) In touch, ridden after 15th, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 28l behind Meehan (11-4) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Temper Lad (USA) 10-3fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 29l behind Windy Spirit (11-9) at N Abbot 3m 3f ldy hcp hdl (5) gf in Jun.
Blue Sovereign 12-1 (10-8) Slowly away, led 3rd, ridden 4 out, narrow leader when fell 2 out in race won by Down The Stretch (10-13) at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (3) gf, 9 ran.
Jacarado (IRE) 9-1 (10-2) Mid-division, headway 8th, ridden 11th, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 9, 24l behind Bay Island (11-10) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs.
