with leader, not fluent 7th, weakened after 4 out
chased leaders, mistake 8th, ridden to lead 3 out, 5 lengths clear flat, eased towards finish, headed post
held up in touch, ridden to chase leader after 2 out, hit last, kept on flat
led to 3 out, soon ridden, 5 lengths down flat stayed on to head eased down rival post
A small but competitive field goes to post for this handicap chase and the principals look to be Prairie Minstrel, Lambrini Mist and Lik Wood Power and the nomination is given to Prairie Minstrel. The selection is well weighted on his best form, goes well at the track, and is sure to have come on for his latest fourth behind Nabir. The faster ground will also suit him and he will be hard to beat. Lambrini Mist rates the main danger on his latest fifth behind Orkes Des Agles but is yet to prove he stays. Lik Wood Power is another that will like conditions although he continues to be beset by jumping problems. Classic Calvados has regressed of late and having considered the alternatives, Prairie Minstrel gets the nod.
Lik Wood Power (NZ) 40-1 (11-4) Held up mid-division, headway to go 3rd at 10th, ridden 13th, weakened before 4 out, 7th of 10, 47l behind Kerstino Two (11-6) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Prairie Minstrel (USA) 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, 4th of 6, 17l behind Nabir (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Oct.
Classic Calvados (FR) 20-1 (10-0) In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 12, 29l behind Bonchester Bridge (10-1) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
Lambrini Mist 7-2jt-fav (10-0) Led, headed 13th, led again 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened run-in, 5th of 10, 24l behind Orki Des Aigles (10-2) at Kelso 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
