held up and behind, headway 5 out, led 2 out, blundered and headed last, no extra
tracked leader, ridden and weakened after 5 out
tracked leaders, headway to lead 11th, mistake and headed 2 out, 3rd and held when mistake and stumbled and unseated rider last
led, headed 11th, remained close up, pushed along 4 out, ridden and one pace from next
towards rear, headway 5 out, effort 3 out, led last, stayed on strongly
A competitive handicap chase here and many would have a chance on their best form but the principals look to be Bob's Buster, Albertino Lad and Tagar and the narrow vote is given to Bob's Buster. The selection won well last time out when beating Glenfarclas Boy. Granted he has a penalty for that success but he has won off a higher mark in the past and with this longer trip sure to be in his favour he looks the one to be on under conditions that suit. Albertino Lad rates the main danger on his latest second behind Vigoureux but he was let down by his jumping when full pressure was applied and at likely odds he looks worth opposing. Tagar is another with place claims on his latest third behind Oliverjohn. He is sure to strip fitter here and with his yard in form he should be noted in the market. Mikasa is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but his overall form leaves him with plenty to find and for the winner we return to Bob's Buster.
Bob's Buster 5-1 (11-12) In rear, headway approaching 4 out, led 2 out, driven out, won at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft beating Glenfarclas Boy (11-7) by 3l, 9 ran.
Scotmail Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Led, headed 6th, chased leaders until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 6th of 12, 36l behind Compo (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hdl 0-90 (F) hvy in Dec.
Albertino Lad 9-1 (10-0) Prominent, every chance 3 out, kept on from last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Vigoureux (10-7) at Wetherby 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Tagar (FR) 14-1 (10-3) Chased winner, ridden and hit 3 out, one pace from last, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Oliverjohn (10-2) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
Mikasa (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Held up, not fluent 8th, weakened next, 8th of 9, well behind Bob's Buster (11-12) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft.