tracked leaders, took keen hold, went 2nd after 4 out, not fluent 2 out, switched left flat, soon led, stayed on well
jumped left, led, hit and pecked 8th, soon ridden, headed after 4 out, weakened 2 out
mostly tracked leader, not fluent 6th or 7th, pecked 4 out, 4th when blundered 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led after 4 out, ridden and headed flat, soon beaten
Wind Shuffle finished some way adrift of NINE STORIES at Kelso last month and, despite being 6lb better off, may struggle to overturn that form with Howard Johnson's charge who looks to have a bright future over the larger obstacles. Wikaala needs to improve on what he's shown so far over fences while Fightstar was a modest hurdler and is probably best watched at present but Sam Lord ran above expectations in a Grade 2 at Ayr earlier this month and is sure to appreciate the return to 2m.
Nine Stories (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped right 5th, every chance after 2 out, led just after last, hard ridden, all out, won at Kelso 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs in Mar beating Signalman (10-5) by 2l, 5 ran.
Wind Shuffle (GER) 9-1 (11-5) Tracked leader and keen, about 12 lengths down in 2nd 4 out, left close 2nd 3 out, ridden before last, led soon after, headed run-in, weakened and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Kosta Brava (10-6) at Ayr 2m Novice Limited Handicap Chase (0-130) (5yo+) (3) gd.
Fightstar (FR) 16-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, led 3rd, headed 6th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Lisdonagh House (10-3) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs, 15 ran.
Wikaala (USA) 3-1fav (11-12) Mid-division, struggling from before 3 out, soon no impression, 10th of 15, 48l behind Baily Rock (11-12) at Wexford 2m 3f beg chase.
Sam Lord 22-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, hit 12th, went 5th 13th, chased clear leading pair 4 out, jumped left 2 out, left 2nd when mistake last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 16l behind Gilbarry (11-4) at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd.
