led, jumped left, headed when slow 15th, led next, headed before 3 out, weakened next
tracked leader until 4th, not fluent 5th or 12th, went 2nd before 3 out, challenged 2 out, not fluent last, 1 length down briefly, closed and every chance after, just held
tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, went 2nd 4th, led 15th, headed next, led again when not fluent 3 out, hard pressed flat, held on
NonRunner
NonRunner
Our Sox has yet to win over fences in six starts though this is easier than his latest chase start at Galway. Tony Martin’s charge has placed over hurdles since but GROVE SILVER gets another chance. Placed over fences on numerous occasions, including at Cartmel last time, he can finally take advantage of a slide down the weights. Mad Money landed a double in September but is 13lb higher now while Castletown Bridge has shown nothing over fences so far. Ryalex has placed in maiden hurdles and makes his chasing bow on his first start since May.
Grove Silver (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, outpaced after last, ridden into straight, kept on under pressure final 110 yards, 3rd and held towards finish, 3rd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Tradewinds (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 5f (4) gd in Jun.
Our Sox (IRE) 11-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders straight, no impression between last 2, kept on without threatening run-in into 2nd close home, 2nd of 21, 6l behind Definite Income (11-3) at Cork 3m hcp gd in Aug.
Castletown Bridge (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Always last, blundered 8th, lost touch 12th, last of 5, 34 3/4l behind Battle Of Shiloh (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Oct.
Ryalex (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Not fluent and jumped right, led until 4th, chased winner, ridden and no impression before 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 9, 14l behind Traditional Dancer (10-9) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in May.
Mad Money (IRE) 11-10fav (11-3) Led 1st, headed after 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last, at Hexham 2m 7f hcp (5) gs in Sep.