led until 3rd, chased leader until after 6th, pushed along and weakened before 3 out, soon behind, tailed off and stumbled badly 2 out
chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, pushed along and outpaced after 6h, weakened before next, plugged on into modest 4th towards finish
took keen hold, held up, in touch, on inside, headway tracking leaders 6th, 2nd travelling well after 3 out, challenged and hit 2 out, led last, driven out
chased leader until stumbled badly on landing and lost place 1st, behind when not fluent 3rd, tailed off
held up, in rear, headway chasing leaders 6th, 2nd soon after, pushed along and lost 2nd after 3 out, ridden and one pace in 3rd between last two, blundered last
held up, headway chasing leaders 3rd, pushed along and outpaced before 3 out, rallied under pressure approaching next, 4th and no impression when went right final two, no extra in 5th towards finish
chased leaders, 2nd after 1st, led 3rd, headed last, driven and stayed on same pace run-in
Weapon Of Choice hasn't won in 10 starts over hurdles and generally prefers softer going. He was beaten four lengths by the veteran Claude Carter at Perth in September and, though slightly better off, seems unlikely to turn the tables despite the winner running poorly next time. Nafaath pops up every now and then as he did at Uttoxeter though takes a slight step up in class while Urban Kode would be suited by further. Donna's Pride has only won once in 18 starts over timber but isn't out of this though the vote goes to CIVIL UNREST. James Ewart's charge scored from this mark over fences at Hexham last month and is equally adept over hurdles so looks the one to be on, though it wouldn't be a shock to see Rioja Day run well as he scored over 7f at Ayr last month.
Claude Carter 11-1 (10-12) Pressed leader, outpaced when faultered and lost place after 4 out, blundered next, soon ridden and weakened, 5th of 7, 28 3/4l behind Makethedifference (10-12) at Kelso 2m hcp (4) gf in Oct.
Nafaath (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, led before 3 out, headed last, led again flat, held on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in Oct beating Bring Back Charlie (10-13) by hd, 8 ran.
Weapon Of Choice (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Mid-division, pushed along and weakened 2 out, 7th of 10, dist behind Cool Baranca (10-3) at Kelso 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Civil Unrest (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) With leader, led 2nd, headed 5th, chased leader, led before last, kept on well, won at Hexham 2m hcp (5) gd in Oct beating John Williams (10-13) by 2l, 10 ran.
Donna's Pride 4-1fav (11-12) Mid-division, closed 7th, 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner and lost 2nd before last, stayed on same pace, lost 3rd near finish, 4th of 12, 13 1/4l behind Thyne For Gold (11-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Oct.
Urban Kode (IRE) 10-3 (11-2) Tracked leader, ridden and effort before 2 out, one pace before last, no extra flat, 5th of 9, 9 1/2l behind Buckled (11-4) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Rioja Day (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 11, 8 1/2l behind Faintly (9-6) at Newcastle 7f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
