led, headed 4 out, ridden and weakened 3 out, left poor 2nd 2 out
chased leader, mistake 3rd, led 4 out, left clear 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge winner 2 out when mistake and unseated rider
Nonrunner
O'Toole is impossible to oppose here with Vinmix De Bessy and Stan rating the main dangers. The selection won with a little in hand last time out when beating Waterspray and although rising in the weights he looks progressive and he is taken to defy the handicapper under conditions that suit. Vinmix De Bessy travels well in his races but often finds less than expected off the bridle and at likely odds he is taken on. Stan is dropping in class and could go well at a price despite his big weight but his best form is with more cut in the ground. Of the others Glengara looks weighted up to his best and for the winner we return to O'Toole.
Glengarra (IRE) 28-1 (11-5) Led to 12th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 10, 35l behind The Hollow Bottom (9-10) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
O'Toole (IRE) 7-4fav (11-10) Always prominent, ridden to lead approaching last, kept on, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf beating Waterspray (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Vinmix De Bessy (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Raced keenly, held up in touch, progress approaching 8th, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 6, 16l behind O'Toole (11-10) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
Stan (NZ) 16-1 (11-2) fell in race won by Kilmackilloge (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Made In Montot (FR) 7-1 (10-13) Always in rear, mistake 4th, reminders 8th, weakened 14th, last of 6, 35l behind Donovan (10-3) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Oct.