led, mistake 2nd, headed 7th, chased winner until approaching 11th, soon weakened, well behind when mistake 3 out (water)
took keen hold, tracking leaders, driven along in 3rd 4 out, kept on from last to press for 2nd, never any chance with winner
took keen hold, tracked leaders, slow jump 4th, outpaced 12th, weakened 4 out, tailed off
held up in touch, headway 9th, chased winner approaching 11th, driven approaching 2 out, hit 2 out, weakened and no chance with winner soon after
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A small but select team of horses line up for this handicap in which we will side with R DE RIEN SIVOLA while both Tempsford and Midnight Gold will pose as the main dangers. The selection carries a penalty for winning at Uttoxeter last time out under todays jockey on his chase debut. He was only ever lightly raced over hurdles but he did win on his debut in that sphere too. He is still only four years old and is open to further improvement so with that in mind he is difficult to oppose. Tempsford has won nine times in his career but has not been that easy to win with of late. He does have the services of Tony McCoy once again and is sure to give his supporters a run for his money. Midnight Gold is five pounds higher in the weights since winning at Uttoxeter when tried in first time cheek pieces. He is now as high as he has ever been and it could be the fact that the handicapper now has him where he wants him. R De Rien Sivola is less exposed than most and should prove too classy for his rivals.
I Hear Thunder (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) In touch, headway under pressure approaching 2 out, soon one pace, 5th of 13, 10l behind Nostringsattached (11-6) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jun.
Midnight Gold 9-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway 9th, challenged 4 out, led flat, edged left, all out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jul beating Red Jester (9-11) by nk, 10 ran.
Nudge And Nurdle (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) Held up when refused 13th, in a race won by He's A Hotshot (10-5) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jul, 7 ran.
R De Rien Sivola (FR) 10-11fav (9-11) Held up in 3rd, left disputing lead 5th, led 7th, drew clear 3 out easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Jul beating Western Gale (11-9) by 19l, 4 ran.
Marrel 6-1 (9-13) Chased leader, led after 4 out, ridden clear between last 2, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd beating Passato (11-1) by 9l, 8 ran.
City Affair 11-4 (11-12) In touch, effect 3 out, one pace approaching last, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Trafalgar Man (10-5) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Tempsford (USA) 9-2 (10-12) Held up, headway 8th, chased winner when not fluent 4 out, no impression approaching last, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Alfie's Sun (10-10) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jul.
