led, mistake 15th, headed 3 out, led again 2 out, driven and joined after last, headed last stride
tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, mistake 6th, not fluent 12th, 3 lengths 3rd when mistake 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on same pace
ridden going to 1st, chased leaders, mistake 9th, jumped slowly and struggling 13th, not fluent next 2, well beaten from 16th
held up in touch in last, hit 6th, not fluent 8th, closed 12th, went 2nd when not fluent next, challenged 18th, led 3 out, mistake and headed 2 out, driven to challenge after last, stayed on to lead last stride
tracked leader until 13th, mistake and lost place 15th, tailed off
Despite a very long absence, it would be no surprise to see the once-useful Without A Doubt run well as his stable is in good form. Appleaday should be approaching peak fitness after a couple of outings and usually runs well here, while a contest like this wouldn't be beyond Babysitter if he consented to put his best foot forward. But there may be more come from French import SATOU after a decent first effort in this country over fences at Bangor. He's 3lb lower here and probably has more scope than his rivals. Princely Hero ran above expectations when second at Ascot last month but is likely to find this a step too far.
Appleaday (IRE) 17-2 (11-7) Pressed leader, led 12th, joined and strongly pressed when blundered and headed 3 out, soon no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 9, 42l behind Hold On Julio (11-4) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Without A Doubt 40-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, hit 7th, weakened after 15th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Character Building (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m 1f Am hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar '09, 24 ran.
Babysitter (IRE) 12-1 (11-8) Held up, headway 8th, outpaced from 4 out, 6th of 10, 41l behind Mohayer (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Satou (FR) 8-1 (10-7) Mid-division, headway 14th, chased leading pair 3 out, soon outpaced, not fluent and lost place next, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 21l behind Mohi Rahrere (10-4) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Princely Hero (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Chased leader until 10th, stayed in close 3rd, left chasing winner at 11th, hit next, led 15th until 3 out, chased winner, well held from 2 out, kept on well for clear 2nd, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Graduation Night (11-12) at Ascot 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Nov.