led after 2nd, headed 5th, prominent until weakened after 15th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up and behind, effort approaching 4 out, dispuiting 3rd and beaten when blundered last
behind, never going well, pulled up before 9th
prominent, chased winner from 5th, blundered and lost 2nd 2 out, soon weakened
led until after 2nd, led again 5th, clear 11th, easily
chased leaders, reminders 10th, lost place next, tailed off when pulled up after 15th
held up in touch, outpaced 13th, stayed on to go 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
Rodalko has been in good form and is taken to add to his tally, with Pharpost, Prokofiev and Tremallt likely to be in the shake-up as well. Trainer Oliver Sherwood has enjoyed a resurgence this term, helped in no small part by the efforts of Rodalko who should really be unbeaten this term as he was going like a winner when coming to grief at Kempton the time before last. He has since made amends over the course and distance, and with his jumping still not foot-perfect, has another go round here before being considered for something tougher. Pharpost was beaten a short-head by Prokofiev in a match at Bangor on 11 October and should at least turn the tables on him on much better terms. The interesting runner is Tremallt who ran a blinder at Lingfield when giving weight away all round, making most until headed soon after two out by Our Jolly Swagman. The 12-year-old, who led for a circuit in last year's National, needs the handicapper to relent but deserves some success. He is in the twilight of his career, but at the other end of the scale, the five-year-old Rodalko has time on his side and is taken to notch another victory for his back-to-form yard.
