tracked leader, hampered 1st, pushed along after 4 out, weakened approaching last
raced in rear but in touch, slow 5th, weakened 3 out
led, ridden and strongly challenged approaching 2 out, soon headed, gradually weakened
held up in touch, hampered 3rd, soon in rear, headway to chase leaders 5th, every chance approaching 2nd last, led soon after, ridden clear
chased leaders, jumped left throughout, lost place approaching 4 out
held up in touch when hampered and fell 3rd
held up in touch, hampered 3rd, headway before 3 out, chased leaders next, stayed on well, no chance with winner
chased leaders, hampered 1st, outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on before last, never able to challenge
It's very hard to get away from FROSTED GRAPE given her fine form over fences in late summer. She did fall at Cheltenham last time which may have affected her confidence whilst she has looked a far better chaser than hurdler so there are slight niggles but this race lacks strength in depth. Hill Forts Gloria is the obvious threat following a good debut over hurdles at Fontwell and that run entitles her to plenty of respect as it stands and she's entitled to improve for that experience. The Hon Tara disappointed when last seen but is related to a couple of winning staying hurdlers and chasers and hails from a yard in top form so could make the frame. Kaituna struggled in bumpers but is out of a half-sister to Strong Flow and may well fare better over obstacles.
Frosted Grape (IRE) 22-1 (9-9) Tended to jump right, led and soon clear, reduced lead and headed 3 out, soon ridden along, weakened and fell next, in a race won by Edgbriar (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-150 (2) gd in Oct, 17 ran.
Bella Medici 200-1 (10-10) Took keen hold towards rear, ridden and struggling after 3 out, well behind when blundered next, 11th of 12, 38l behind Dot's Delight (10-5) at Lingfield 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov '09.
Hill Forts Gloria (IRE) 9-1 (10-2) Chased leader until approaching 3 out, 4th and under pressure when left chasing winner 2 out, kept on flat, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Moonwolf (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
Kaituna (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, lost place 5f out, headway under pressure on outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace, no impresson, 5th of 11, 8l behind With Grace (10-7) at Bangor 2m 1f N H flat (5) gd in May.
Noir Noir 100-1 (10-4) Towards rear, headway on outside 6f out, struggling final 3f, 12th of 14, 28l behind Tiger Bay (11-4) at Lingfield 2m mdn nat hunt flt (4-6yo) (6) std in Feb.
Sonus Weld (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, weakened 3 out, 10th of 13, 39l behind Cooper's Crest (10-13) at Tramore 2m mrs mdn hdl gf in Apr.
The Hon Tara 16-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 7f out, hung right over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 20, 25l behind Cinderella Rose (10-8) at Warwick 2m mrs NH flat (4-7yo) (6) gd in Mar.
Twin Bud 66-1 (9-12) Held up in rear, hampered 2nd, mistake 5th, behind when pulled up before 2out, in a race won by Sophies Trophy (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Mar, 11 ran.
