not fluent 1st, chased leading pair, reminders after 6th, outpaced and dropped to last next, left modest 2nd 3 out, no chance with winner
raced widest, chased leader, led briefly 6th, definite lead next, travelling best when left clear 3 out
led, headed briefly 6th, headed next, ridden and lost 2nd soon after, dropped to last 3 out, went poor 3rd before next
held up last, hit 5th, ridden and went 4th before 7th, left poor 3rd next until weakened before 2 out, tailed off
chased leaders, mistake and rider lost irons briefly 2nd, 2nd after 7th, almost upsides travelling ok when fell 3 out
Nonrunner
Kastani Beach has only won twice in 28 starts over hurdles and though one was on this track it was over shorter on heavy going. DALAMAN had shown very little last year before reappearing for a new yard at Chepstow and attracting good support, which was justified when he came home strongly. An 8lb rise doesn't look harsh as he started out on a favourable mark so should complete a double. Keppel Isle once looked quite promising and won over fences in May of last year but he's completely lost his form over the bigger obstacles and reverts to hurdling. The remaining trio are also difficult to consider given their current form.
Kastani Beach (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) With leaders early, chased winner, ridden before last, lost 2nd place when no extra run-in, 4th of 15, 11 3/4l behind Cave Top (11-12) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Dalaman (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, ridden to lead between last 2, kept on well to go clear run-in, won at Chepstow 2m hcp (5) gs in Oct beating Princess Roania (11-6) by 4l, 18 ran.
Keppel Isle (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Led after 1st, soon clear with one other, headed 7th, chased leader, upsides 4 out to before next, weakened and pulled up after 2 out, at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
My Lord 33-1 (11-8) Always towards rear, tailed off before 3 out, 6th of 13, dist behind Smart Boy (11-6) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Oct.
Our Merlin 12-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, ridden before and mistake 2 out, soon weakened, last of 6, dist behind Stonemadforspeed (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Oct.
Minella Voucher 50-1 (10-11) Took keen hold towards rear, pushed along before 4 out, never involved, 9th of 18, dist behind Sydney De Baune (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Oct.
