tracked leader, reminders after 8th, ridden and weakened approaching 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd at the 6th, ridden to challenge 3 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, joined leaders approaching 3 out, ridden to lead next, stayed on well
led, soon under pressure from 3 out, headed next, no extra run-in
held up towards rear, blundered 3rd, headway approaching 8th, soon reminders, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway approaching 8th, every chance 3 out, until one pace from last
held up, hit 7th, joined leaders approaching 3 out, challenged last, kept on same pace run-in
tracked leaders, hit 7th, weakened when hit 9th, pulled up before 3 out
A chance is taken with Mey Clouds, who is selected ahead of Classic Harry and Sycho Fred. The last named arrives here in good heart and, having gone close over these fences last time out, has a strong chance of making the frame again. Sever softening of the ground would be a big negative, though. Classic Harry bolted in at Perth earlier in the month and has to be respected on that effort alone. As he had previously been inconsistent, it is debateable as to whether he can cope with his penalty is a debatable, though. Therefore, it can pay to be a bit more adventurous and side with Mey Clouds, who will appreciate the anticipated going conditions. The Evan Williams-trained gelding is open to more improvement than his rivals and looks a solid option in a modest race.
Classic Harry 12-1 (11-5) Always prominent, led 7th, ridden 3 out, drew clear from next, won at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf beating Essifer (11-7) by 26l, 10 ran.
Silver Dollars (FR) 12-1 (11-12) Chased clear leading pair, jumped right 4th, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Reflector (11-3) at Stratford 2m 1f hts chs (5) gd in May, 17 ran.
Nelson's Spice (IRE) 5-1 (10-4) Held up, short-lived effort 4 out, never a danger, 6th of 8, 29l behind Radnor Lad (11-4) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Brave Jo (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Led to 7th, led again after 4 out, ridden 3 out, all out, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun beating Sycho Fred (10-12) by a shd, 13 ran.
Humbel Origins (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 4 out, 5th of 15, 17l behind The Snail (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Jun.
Sycho Fred (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, chased leaders 4 out, challenging when hit next, every chance flat, held close home, 2nd of 13, shd behind Brave Jo (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Mey Clouds (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Lady Sambury (9-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy in Apr.
Water Pistol 100-1 (10-11) Behind, hampered 2nd, ridden 7th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by See The View (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft, 9 ran.
Mandalay Lady 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division, effort 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 15, 27l behind Noble Minstrel (10-8) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Jun.
