handy, mistake 4th, not fluent 7th, hard ridden approaching 3 out, behind 2 out
in rear, not fluent 2nd, headway on outside to dispute lead 3 out, every chance last when almost upsides, soon led and ran on well flat, always holding on
led, ridden and hard pressed 3 out when not fluent, headed soon after, weakened 2 out
chased leader, disputed lead 3 out going well, narrow advantage last when challenged, headed run-in, kept on well but never getting by winner
NonRunner
Neil The Legend hasn’t run over hurdles in almost two years and has changed stables. Tiger Orchid was unplaced making his handicap debut at Southwell but Fenney Brook arrives off the back of a victory at Hexham and won here in the spring. Fine By Me has improved recently but we’ll take a chance on the returning SPIKE JONES as he clearly appreciated the big step up in trip at Catterick in March when beating a subsequent winner.
Neil The Legend 9-2 (12-1) Led 1st until 4 out, weakening when mistake 3 out, left 3rd last, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Mille Sussurri (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Tiger Orchid (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear of mid-division, last trio and struggling before 7th, never dangerous after, plugged on, 5th of 9, 17l behind Breaking Waves (11-7) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Sep.
Fine By Me (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Led 2nd, ridden and quickened from 3 out, joined 2 out, headed last, held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind You Name Him (12-2) at Perth 3m hcp (5) gd in Sep.
Fenney Brook 9-2 (10-2) Always handy, slow 5th, ridden and led flat, stayed on, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Lone Star (10-5) by 2 3/4l, 9 ran.
Spike Jones 11-2 (11-0) Held up in last, headway 9th, not much room and lost ground after 3 out, rallied 2 out, bumped when trying to challenge before last, edged left and led flat, stayed on, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Moon King (11-11) by hd, 5 ran.
