took keen hold, hit 4th, tracked leaders, went 2nd at 10th, led after 5 out, challenged when mistake 2 out, fell last
tracked leader, mistake 8th, not fluent next, driven to challenge 3 out, soon every chance, left in lead at last, eased near finish
led, slow 7th, not fluent 9th, hit 5 out, soon headed, weakened next, left in remote 2nd at last
PRINCELY PLAYER is a rare runner here for Philip Hobbs and should be the answer to this Limited handicap, despite making his chasing bow. He's been in very good form over hurdles this autumn and is by no means harshly treated on the best of his efforts over the smaller obstacles, despite top weight. Robbie has won four times over hurdles and made a successful start to his chasing career at Huntingdon in the spring, jumping well. He rates the danger on his return as Irish raider Katys Girl, though in good order, carries more than her allotted weight as does Castlelawn, who may be out of his depth.
Princely Player (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden after 4 out, modest 9th 3 out, ran on before last, pressing for 2nd close home, nearest finish, 3rd of 15, 1l behind Thomas Crapper (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Oct.
Robbie 15-8fav (10-12) Made all, ridden flat, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (4) gd in May beating Uncle Pelder (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Katys Girl (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Led when slow jump 1st, soon headed and jumped a bit slow, 3rd at 7th, led again 6 out, joined when pecked 2 out, 3rd and no extra from before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Fantastic Gold (11-0) at Thurles 2m 2f gd in Oct.
Castlelawn (IRE) 3-1fav (10-9) Tracked leaders, weakened before 4 out, 9th of 10, well behind Lucky Landing (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
