with leader, led after 13th, headed 3 out, no impression on winner flat
led until after 13th, led 3 out, just headed when fell 2 out
tracked leaders on outside, not fluent 13th, not fluent 4 out, soon shaken up, not fluent 2 out, 3rd and beaten when hung right before last, weakened flat
held up in touch, outpaced in 5th when fell 4 out
always behind
held up in touch on inside, not fluent 5th or 6th, blundered 13th, switched left after 4 out, led 2 out, ridden clear flat
A good run from Court Royale earlier in the card would be a boost to the chances of course and distance third Kingofthecotswolds. Western Ryder ran well against a couple of smart novices last time at Uttoxeter while three-times hurdles winner First Assignment will have learned plenty from his fourth at Cheltenham, where he was well supported. Hold The Note could go well if taking to fences being unexposed but we prefer COTSWOLD WAY. A real chasing type, he jumped well at Huntingdon until lack of condition told and should strip fitter today.
Cotswold Way (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, under pressure 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 27 1/4l behind Deyrann de Carjac (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (3) gd in Nov.
First Assignment (IRE) 9-4fav (11-3) Tracked front pair, went 2nd 3 out (usual 4 out), led approaching omitted 3 out, ridden and headed on long run before 2 out, weakened between last 2, 4th of 6, 26 1/4l behind Slate House (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) hvy in Oct.
Hold The Note (IRE) 2-1fav (11-9) Chased leaders, not fluent 3 out, led after next, strongly challenged when mistake last, headed and no extra closing stages, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Breaking Waves (11-3) at Huntingdon 2m 5f (4) gs in Feb.
Kingofthecotswolds (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, went 2nd before 4 out, led next, headed last, one pace flat, 3rd of 6, 5 1/4l behind What's Occurring (10-13) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Mr Mcguiness (IRE) 13-2 (11-10) Held up in rear, pushed along after 5 out, no impression when hampered 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 8, 37 1/2l behind Trumps Benefit (10-2) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Western Ryder (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Led to 3rd, tracked leader, led again after 5 out, headed 3 out, switched outside when carried right next, soon one pace, no impression with front pair before last, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Summerville Boy (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) sft in Nov.
