made all, mistake 2 out, well in command last, drew further clear, easily
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, hung left from after 2 out, well held by winner from last
in rear, some slow jumps, mistake 7th, headway 3 out, held in 4th when not fluent last, weakened flat
chased winner until 4th, weakened before 3 out
held up behind leaders, shaken up after 3 out, driven after 2 out, 3rd and held last, no extra flat
Unanswered Prayers won at Uttoxeter last month and was first past the post subsequently at Warwick only to lose the race in the stewards’ room. This is a further step up but he looks a useful novice. Bumpy Johnson has placed in three of his four hurdle starts and was only beaten a length in a handicap here last time but Paul Nicholls sent out Bravemansgame to land this 12 months ago and may harbour similar high hopes for STAGE STAR, who won in a canter at Chepstow and has bags of scope. Kincardine lacks experience but the Southwell bumper winner is worth a market check.
Stage Star (IRE) 2-7fav (11-4) Prominent, led going well 4 out, briefly pressed 2 out, soon shaken up and went clear, nudged out after last, comfortably, won at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) gd in Oct beating Deeper Blue (11-4) by 6l, 14 ran.
Unanswered Prayers (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Chased leaders out wide, went 2nd before 4 out, led 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went clear between last two, hit last, idled badly run-in, hung right towards finish, just lasted, won at Warwick 2m 3f (4) gd in Nov beating Blue Stello (10-12) by ns, 11 ran.
Bumpy Johnson (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Prominent, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, ran on but always held, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Siroco Jo (11-6) at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Le Grand Lion (FR) 25-1 (10-12) Led, headed 3 out, weakened thereafter, 4th of 8, 14 1/2l behind Thunder Rock (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f (3) gs in Nov.
Kincardine 13-8fav (10-8) Tracked leaders, travelling well on inside 3f out, switched right to challenge before 2f out, ridden along and soon led before 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Southwell 2m (5) gs in May beating Kazontherazz (10-7) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Paddy Husseys Taxi (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Towards rear, struggling after 4 out, tailed off, 10th of 11, dist behind Galore Desassences (11-4) at Taunton 2m mdn (4) gf in Nov.
