mid-division, headway after 11th, led 4 out, headed 2 out, weakened flat
held up in rear, ran out 7th (water)
tracked leaders, raced keenly, mistake 4th, not fluent 12th, soon ridden, jumped left and mistake 13th, jumped left therafter, weakened 4 out, tailed off
took keen hold, prominent, led 12th until not fluent 4 out, weakened last
led after 1st until mistake and unseated rider 3rd
in rear, mistake 2nd, headway 12th, mistake 4 out, soon hung left, strong challenge last, no extra towards finish
led until after 1st, left in lead 3rd, headed 11th, blundered 13th, remained close up, led 2 out until last, battled back well to regain lead flat, stayed on well
held up towards rear, headway 6th, challenged after 3 out, led last, bumped flat, soon headed, held towards finish
prominent on outside, led 11th until next, weakened after 13th, tailed off
in rear, mistakes 3rd and 11th, not much room 13th, headway when hit 4 out, weakened 3 out, blundered 2 out, pulled up before last
Alphabetical looks a big player however the ground may be against him so preference is for GOOD COMPANY ahead of Ruairi and Gentle George. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding was last seen finishing down the field in a Listed race at Newton Abbot in August, but he looks the sort of horse to do well in this sphere. This sort of trip should be within his range and with the ground in his favour a bold bid is expected. Alphabetical has been off since November 2008 but he was contesting some competitive handicaps. If he is fit enough then he has the potential to run well, although all of his wins have come on quicker ground. Ruairi won a point-to-point last month and on the figures he must be given a very good chance this afternoon, whilst Which Pocket is another recent winner between the flags but his previous form under rules leaves him short. Alroyal may have ground issues, Gentle George looks a better proposition with Olly Greenall a good jockey booking, whilst Saintsaire was classy at his best but his career has gone downhill. The market should help in this finale, but the selection without that information is Good Company.
Alphabetical (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Led until 10th, chased leader, led 4 out, 3 lengths clear approaching 2 out, driven and stayed on well, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov '08 beating Soulard (11-3) by 5l, 9 ran.
Good Company (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th or 10th, weakened after 3 out, 10th of 15, 21l behind Star of Germany (10-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f listed hcp chs (1) gf in Aug.
Paolo Soprani (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden in 5th halfway, soon weakened, moderate 6th 7 out and no impression, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Florrie's Boy (11-6) at Clonmel 2m 4f nov chs fm in Jun '08.
Ruairi (IRE) 6-1 (12-5) Ww; prog 12; led last; all out, won at Whitfield 3m ptp gs in Feb beating Saint Reverien (12-5) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Which Pocket (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Ap; went 2nd bet last 2; drvn ahd nr fin, won at Detling 3m ptp gd in Feb beating Top Ram (11-7) by nk, 6 ran.
Alroyal (GER) 20-1 (11-8) In touch, keen early, mid-division 4th, pushed along after 10th, outpaced in modest 7th 3 out, plugged on from 2 out, went modest 4th flat, 4th of 13, 18l behind Rien A Perdre (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m hts chs (5) gd in May.
Gentle George 3-1 (11-12) Led, stumbled 2nd, headed 4th, led 8th, headed briefly 2 out, driven flat, stayed on well, won at Huntingdon 3m hts chs (6) sft in Feb beating Burntoakboy (11-9) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Molostiep (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Prominent, tracked leader 7th, upsides leader and travelling well when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Blu Teen (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f hts chs (5) sft in Feb, 8 ran.
New Team (FR) 6-1 (12-7) Hdwy 9; led 12 til hdd 2 out; one-pcd, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Myson (12-4) at Detling 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Saintsaire (FR) 5-1 (12-5) Prom til wknd 14; to & pu 3 out, in a race won by Ruairi (12-5) at Whitfield 3m ptp gs in Feb, 13 ran.
