led, not fluent 5th, mistake and headed 4 out, weakened from next, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd at 6th, chased winner after 4 out, kept on same pace from 2 out
prominent, ridden from 8th, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off when blundered and unseated rider next
not jumped well, mistake first and 2nd, prominent, lost place when mistake 6th, tailed off when blundered 3 out
held up, outpaced from 3 out
behind, weakened 4 out, beaten when blundered next, tailed off and pulled up before last
Not a race to play to high stakes we suggest, and one where Runner Bean can finally open his account over obstacles. The nine-year-old had a pretty good starts to his career under rules, landing successive bumpers, and performing creditably in defeat over hurdles. After 15 months off the track, he has come back well this season, looking in need of both his runs at Hereford, but improving nonetheless. He gets in here having been dropped 2lb for his last run, and over a shorter trip he can get off the mark over fences. Tullons Lane had his Fontwell race won from a long way out, but has disappointed when looking exposed in handicap company since then. Off his current mark he is again overlooked here, though should be good enough to battle out for a place. Ron Hodges still does pretty well down in the south and he sends out Ghost Moon here. The gelding would have chance judged on his most recent piece of form, when a staying on second at Taunton last month. He will also relish the cut in the ground, but perhaps might just be tapped for toe over this shorter trip. Ashbury Star has some decent course form to his name and also relishes the mud. However, he has plenty of weight to shoulder and also a bit to prove after a poor effort at Folkestone when pulled up last time.
