tracked leader, led 6th, ridden 3 out, headed near finish
close up, went 2nd 10th, ridden to challenge from 3 out, driven to lead near finish
led, headed 6th, chased leader until not fluent 10th, soon ridden, plugged on from 3 out, tailed off
close up, ridden 10th, weakened next, very tired when jumped right final two fences, tailed off
Nonrunner
O Crotaigh and Arbor Supreme look to have plenty on their plates and Dawn Commander will need to improve on his efforts so far over fences. He's been beaten a long way on both occasions but the remaining pair look closely matched. Ffos Las winner Mister Hyde gets a first-time visor instead of cheekpieces after a decent effort at Carlisle on his reappearance but MIDNIGHT SAIL may just edge this. He found only Sir Du Bearn too good at Stratford last month and this looks less competitive.
Midnight Sail 7-2 (11-3) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders when mistake 5th, blundered 3 out, ridden to challenge approaching last, one pace, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Sir Du Bearn (11-11) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Oct.
Mister Hyde (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Prominent on outside, hit 11th, led narrowly next, ridden 2 out, headed last, no extra when lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Rebel Swing (10-13) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Oct.
O Crotaigh (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Led, headed 5th, tracked leader until ridden 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 7, well behind Prophete De Guye (11-12) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs.
Arbor Supreme (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Towards rear, headway before 13th, ridden before 3 out and not fluent, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 9, 30l behind Harouet (11-3) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy.
Dawn Commander (GER) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked winner, hit 4th, not fluent next, lost 2nd 6th, outpaced 12th, jumped right 13th, mistake 15th, behind when went badly right 4 out, tailed off, last of 3, well behind Forgotten Gold (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f Beginners Chase (0-140) (4yo+) (3) sft in Oct.
