chased leaders, weakened 4 out
prominent, pushed along before 7th and again before 13th, weakened before 4 out
well in rear, tailed off 11th, soon pulled up
led, joined 3 out, headed soon after 2 out, no chance with winner, lost 2nd towards finish
in touch, headway and left in 2nd 3 out, challenged and going well 2 out, soon led and clear, very easily
close up, mistake 13th, left close 3rd 3 out, kept on into 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
prominent, tracked leader 7th, upsides leader and travelling well when mistake and unseated rider 3 out
held up well in rear, mistake 2nd, steady headway approaching 3 out, one pace and no impression next
Nonrunner
BOB HALL is not bomb-proof but he impressed with his attitude when winning at Ludlow last week and is fancied to see off Predateur and Here's Johnny. The selection never really fulfilled his potential as a chaser but he has been a solid proposition since taking to hunter chases. This trip will arguably suit him better than the three miles at Ludlow and with fitness assured he is selected. Fitness must be a question mark hanging over Here's Johnny. He was a very good novice but has been off the track for 708 days and can only be backed if the market screams in his favour. Blu Teen was well-held at Aintree in the Foxhunters' when last seen for previous connections, Van Ness always gives backers a good run for their money despite often having plenty to find on official ratings, whilst Predateur hasn't been with his new yard for long and this enigmatic former Paul Nicholls inmate is very capable on his day. Launde is a new recruit to these races, whilst on the other hand Back Nine is a familiar face and if his jumping holds together then he could run a big race. The market should provide some juicy clues in this finale, but on all known evidence it should go to Bob Hall.
Armoury House 40-1 (12-1) Never a factor, 10th of 18, 30l behind Craiglands (11-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hts chs (5) gd in May.
Back Nine (IRE) Evensfav (12-5) Tracked leader, led 9th, headed 5 out, led again and fell heavily 3 out, in a race won by Fruitfull Citizen (11-0) at Towcester 3m hts chs (6) gf in May, 6 ran.
Launde (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Led, ridden 6th, headed soon after, weakened 8th, 8th of 10, 36l behind Mango Catcher (11-2) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Van Ness (IRE) 3-1 (11-11) Hit 1st, tracked leader, led 9th, 15 lengths clear last, idled and edged right flat, comfortably, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd in May beating Over To Joe (11-11) by 12l, 13 ran.
Blu Teen (FR) 28-1 (12-0) In touch, headway to chase leaders 5 out, effort approaching 2 out, weakening when blundered last, 14th of 29, 49l behind Trust Fund (12-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hts chs (2) gd in Apr.
Here's Johnny (IRE) 16-1 (11-11) Held up, mistake 1st, mistake 7th, ridden and switched right, headway 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 12th of 20, 46l behind Old Benny (11-7) at Cheltenham 4m am nov chs (2) gs in Mar '08.
Molostiep (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, 9th of 16, 21l behind Massini Sunset (9-9) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Feb '08.
Sirius Storm (IRE) 4-5 (12-5) Pulled v hrd; led to 12; led flat til hdd cl home, 2nd of 9, nk behind Duke Of Stradone (12-5) at Cottenham 3m ptp gs.
Bob Hall (IRE) 2-1fav (12-4) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, headway approaching 4 out, led 2 out, quickly asserted, easily, won at Ludlow 3m hts chs (5) gd beating Oopsmylord (11-7) by 7l, 10 ran.
Predateur (FR) 16-1 (10-3) Raced keenly in mid-division, in touch after 9th, not clear run approaching 2 out briefly, soon weakened, 6th of 15, 17l behind Star of Germany (10-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f listed hcp chs (1) gf in Aug.
