held up, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden and led approaching 2 out, driven clear from last
towards rear, smooth headway from approaching 4 out to chase leaders approaching 3 out, one pace from next
towards rear, ridden and no impression when fell 3 out
led, jumped left 1st, headed approaching 2 out, ridden and gradually weakened
towards rear, lost touch from 5th
towards rear, headway from 3 out to chase leaders, driven and some late headway flat
tracked leaders until weakened 4 out
The presence of three unexposed runners warrants a market check but this should go to Rich Lord with Hall Of Fame feared most. The selection failed to figure on debut in October but stepped up on that form to make the frame at Sedgefield and Kelso but it was his win at Catterick that really took the eye where he got the better of the well backed Aureate without being asked a question. The form looks solid and he doesn't look overburdened. Hall Of Fame has gone up by 5lbs having finished second twice in the space of a week last month but he's in form, proven over course and distance and has to be respected. Majestic Chief was a long way behind him last time but shaped a little better than of late and could be on the way back. Stylish Shot ran well enough here in November to also warrant serious consideration but we'll come back to Rich Lord for the winner.
Rich Lord 2-1 (10-12) Held up, chased leader after 3 out, led on bit after last, cheekily, won at Catterick 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft beating Aureate (10-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Amazing King (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Held up behind, headway 3 out, kept on from next, never nearer, 7th of 18, 16l behind Songe (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Stylish Shot (IRE) 3-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, led when hit 4th, reminders and headed after 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 11, well behind Andytown (11-1) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Hall of Fame 4-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, led approaching 2 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 17, 5l behind If Only I Knew (9-13) at Leicester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy in Jan.
Danish Rebel (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, soon headed, gradually weakened, 4th of 9, 10l behind Act Sirius (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Majestic Chief 10-1 (11-11) Always towards rear, ridden from 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Pertemps Networks (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Jan.
Desert Rat (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Always mid-division, ridden 3 out, no impression, 8th of 15, 42l behind Starting Point (11-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Calzaghe (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden 5th, weakened 3 out, 15th of 18, 42l behind Songe (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.