tracked leaders, joined leader 4 out, ridden and every chance next, weakened after last
held up, chased leaders approaching 4 out, ridden next, led last, kept on well
with leader and keen, led 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, hit next, headed last, one pace
prominent, led 4th, headed 8th, weakening when hampered 4 out
led, hit 1st, hit and headed 4th, weakened 3 out
held up in touch, weakening when fell 4 out
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
mistakes and always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Nonrunner
Our vote goes to Loulou Nivernais, with his biggest dangers reckoned to be Waltzing Along, Polyphon and Kalou. Much as the selection has been raised nine pounds for a Sedgefield soft-ground win, he looked to have improvement in him there and has won on good to firm. Given that he was rated in the high 90s at best over hurdles in Ireland, he looks to hold solid claims today. Waltzing Along has been lightly-raced but has also displayed ability, not least when just beaten by The Miner last December, the last time that we saw him on the track, while Kalou keeps knocking at the door from his current mark and, although he rarely gets his head in front, is often not too far away. Course and distance winner Polyphon has also to be considered and he comes here on the back of a fair run behind Encore Cadoudal. We would find it hard to build a compelling case for the others on recent form which, in turn, returns us to the selection, which is Loulou Nivernais.
Polyphon (FR) 15-2 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on from next, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Encore Cadoudal (11-6) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft.
Kalou (GER) 8-1 (10-9) Held up, headway to track leaders 6th, ridden 3 out, chased winner last, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Cyborg De Sou (10-7) at Perth 2m nov chs (D) gd in Sept.
Loulou Nivernais (FR) 5-1 (10-3) Made most, quickened and clear after 2 out, hit last, driven and stayed on well flat, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft beating Flake (11-8) by 6l, 8 ran.
Closed Orders (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, bad mistake 3 out, soon no extra, 9th of 11, 28l behind Curragh Gem (9-10) at Roscommon 2m hcp chs 0-109 gd in Sept.
Super Dolphin 4-1jt-fav (11-7) Led to 2nd, remained prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 10, 9l behind Jazz Night (11-12) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-90 (F) gf in Aug.
No Kidding 40-1 (11-11) In touch, lost place 5th, soon beaten, tailed off when pulled up at the 7th in race won by Bogus Dreams (11-12) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (F) gd in May, 14 ran.
Waltzing Along (IRE) 11-8fav (10-6) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden last, headed post, no extra, 2nd of 6, hd behind The Miner (11-1) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gs in Dec.
Ratty's Band 28-1 (10-0) Mistakes, mid-division, ridden when blundered 4 out, 8th of 10, 46l behind Loy's Lad (11-12) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gf in Sept.
The Tinker 33-1 (10-5) Blundered and unseated rider in race won by Miss Mattie Ross (9-10) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gs, 11 ran.
