raced freely, made all, clear 2nd until 6th, mistake 9th, not fluent 10th, clear again before last, stayed on
held up, not fluent 2nd, chased winner from 4th, every chance 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon beaten, not fluent last
held up, blundered 6th,went 3rd after 8th, every chance 3 out, beaten when blundered next, soon weakened and eased
chased winner until 4th, last after 8th, behind from 11th
Hidden Charmer, an Irish import for Christian Wiliams, and Wincanton winner Flo'sboy Sam, are not ruled out in receipt of plenty of weight from the top two but it's likely they will need to improve on achievements to date to land the prize. Sword Of Fate is 2-2 over fences for his thriving yard and thus has the benefit of chasing experience over CAPELAND but we'll go with the Nicholls inmate to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles. He is rated 9lb superior over hurdles to the Lacey contender, fitness will not be an issue and he may have too much speed for his rivals around this sharp track on good ground.
Sword Of Fate (IRE) 11-4fav (11-5) Led after 1st, not fluent 2nd or 3 out, headed 2 out, led before last, stayed on well flat, won at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (3) gf in Jul beating Our Three Sons (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Capeland (FR) 9-4 (11-12) Took keen hold, chased leaders, went 2nd before not fluent and went left last, well held by winner flat, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Coeur Blimey (11-6) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Hidden Charmer (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, close 3rd entering straight, ridden and disputed lead 2 out, headed before last, kept on without threatening winner in 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Miss Sassie (11-9) at Wexford 2m 4f gd in Jun.
Flo'sboy Sam 12-1 (11-2) In touch on outside, disputing 2nd from 3rd, hit 6th, ridden before 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 6, 19 1/4l behind Salix (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
