led until outjumped 2nd, chased winner, ridden after 4 out, no impression form 2 out
jumped left at times, tracked leader, led 2nd, not fluent 4 out, clear from 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on well
lost touch with front pair after mistake 2nd
NonRunner
TEMPLEHILLS' Uttoxeter victory hasn't really worked out but he is probably better than that bare form suggests and is preferred to the more-exposed Worcester runner-up Linguine. Ghost River was very highly tried in his first season over hurdles but did manage a second at Chepstow in February. However, he's yet to encounter ground this fast and may also be at a fitness disadvantage with the previous winners in the race. Definately Vinnie has yet to show much in the way of ability.
Linguine (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Led until 3 out, no impression on winner flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Canton Prince (11-5) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep.
Templehills (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-0) Made all, ridden after 3 out, not fluent last, stayed on gamely, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Sep beating Burrows Lane (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Definately Vinnie 16-1 (11-4) Held up, in mid-division, headway after 6th, struggling 8th, soon behind, 7th of 10, dist behind Sporting Milan (11-1) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Ghost River 50-1 (11-4) Not that fluent in rear, blundered 1st, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before next, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) gs in Apr.
