led until 4 out, demoted to 3rd 3 out, regained 2nd before next, no chance with winner
tracked leader, not fluent 14th or next, led 4 out, clear approaching 2 out, easily
always last, mistake 7th, lost touch from 14th, tailed off
chased leaders, not fluent 9th, chased winner 3 out, no impression and lost 2nd before next, weakened
Just four runners here but this rates a fascinating contest nonetheless, not least because Grade Two winning hurdler Hell's Bay could well be one of a rare group to improve for leaving Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat base. He changed hands for just £3000 and ran out when last seen but if his new trainer can get him to focus a big run wouldn't surprise. However, our idea of a betting medium is BALLYVESEY, who has gone well here before and has conditions to suit. Peter Bowen's charge is rated 120 having gone close in a pair of handicaps of late and can go one better now returned to novice company. He's nothing to fear at these weights from Indian Pipe Dream, who did run well on Monday, so unless support arrives for the long-absent Openditch we'd be reasonably confident. David Pipe's charge was rated as high as 126 over hurdles and has won a point-to-point but he's been off for 521 days and is best watched.
Ballyvesey (IRE) 10-3 (12-1) Tracked leaders, driven in 3rd after 4 out, stayed on flat to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3l behind I Need A Hero (11-9) at Southwell 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Hell's Bay (FR) 11-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 6th, led approaching 10th, challenged and upsides when ran out 2 out, in a race won by Swing Bill (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f beg chase (4) gf in Jul, 6 ran.
Indian Pipe Dream (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Soon not going well in rear, last 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Swordsman (10-11) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd, 7 ran.
Openditch (FR) 3-1fav (11-6) Soon prominent, shaken up 9th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Tisfreetdream (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Mar '09.