held up in rear, headway 4 out to track leaders, ridden 2 out, not quicken
tracked leader, led briefly 5th, led again 4 out, driven out
held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out to track leaders, effort 2 out, chance last, kept on one pace
chased leaders, ridden, weakened after 5 out
held up in touch, headway, effort 4 out, no extra from 2 out
in touch, pushed along 5 out, outpaced next, kept on one pace from 2 out
made most to 4 out, weakened next
Kids Inheritance has a solid chance at this level and gets the nod over Sands Rising and Bergerac. The last named has returned to form of late and will be a big threat if he is in the same frame of mind that saw him victorious at Catterick last week. He showed a willing attitude on that occasion and, as his jockey is very good value for his 5lb claim, another bold bid is expected despite his burden as top weight in a tricky little race. Sands Rising is also in good heart and should be capable of making his presence felt in this company. However, he has been struggling with the handicapper lately and has been finding himself a little short of the mark when it really matters. Therefore, it can be worth siding with Kids Inheritance, who has gone very well here in the past and is fancied to be tough to deal with now that he has got the benefit of a few runs behind him this season. The fact that Malcolm Jefferson's horses have been in good form lately is also a big plus for the selection.
Bergerac (NZ) 11-2 (11-7) Held up, headway to chase leaders 8th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Nov beating Celtic Legend (10-13) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Kids Inheritance (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Behind, ridden 3 out, kept on flat, never dangerous, 5th of 8, 12l behind Island Faith (11-6) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Nov.
Sands Rising 6-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 6th, driven 3 out, ridden and kept on from last, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Loulou Nivernais (10-3) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft in Nov.
Tagar (FR) 16-1 (10-5) In touch, left 2nd 7th, led approaching 2 out, left clear last, won at Perth 2m nov chs (D) gd in Sept '03 beating Salvage (10-12) by 22l, 7 ran.
The Miner 9-2 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 10th, challenging when mistake 3 out, blundered next, soon no chance, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Devondale (10-4) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft in Nov.
Cusp 25-1 (10-6) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden after 9th, weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Swallow Magic (10-7) at Leicester 2m 4f chs 0-90 (F) gf in Nov, 12 ran.
Moss Bawn (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) In touch, pushed along 10th, outpaced after 4 out, 4th of 9, 43l behind Devondale (10-4) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft in Nov.
