slowly away and early reminders, in rear, driven and some headway approaching 3 out, went poor 3rd last, never near leaders
tracked leaders on outside, headway to lead after 3 out, ridden between last 2, stayed on well
led to 6th, chased leader, every chance 3 out, ridden and no impression from next
chased leaders, lost place 6th, soon behind
held up, ridden 2 out, disputing 4th and beaten when stumbled and fell last
chased leaders to 6th, soon behind
held up, lost touch 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous
This is a weak looking affair and Lago could be up to landing first prize, Mags Two and Cloudmor appear to be the main dangers. The selection returns from a summer break having put in two decent efforts in May. He almost won after a two year break so there should be no worries with fitness and a big run is expected. Mags Two comes out very close to the selection on official ratings and has been running reasonably well in selling company, he should be in the shake up this afternoon. Cloudmor was heavily backed last time out but couldn't get to Silver Sedge, however that was a promising run and he should be open to more improvement. Mr Twins may do best of the others, but Lago does appear well treated on his return and he gets the vote.
Acceleration (IRE) 33-1 (11-6) Started slowly, hampered 1st, lost touch halfway, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Ungaro (11-6) at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Oct, 8 ran.
Cloudmor (IRE) 9-2 (10-4) Held up, headway 7th, blundered and lost place 9th, hit 11th, rallied when mistake 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Silver Sedge (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Emperor's Monarch 25-1 (10-10) Always towards rear, 8th of 12, well behind Barracat (9-10) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Nov.
Hopeful Chance (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Held up, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Allaboveboard (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 7f cnd clm hdl (5) sft in Nov, 10 ran.
Lago 6-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden and effort after 3 out, one pace approaching last, 4th of 15, 12l behind Leadaway (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in May.
Mags Two 7-1 (11-7) Held up, headway after 7th, chased winner after 8th until after 2 out, mistake last, weakened flat, 5th of 10, 9l behind Needle Prick (11-2) at Worcester 3m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Oct.
Mr Twins (ARG) 4-1 (9-12) Hit 2nd, in 5th when fell at the 6th in race won by Rich Song (9-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jun, 10 ran.
Obstreperous Way 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, 13th of 15, 48l behind Voir Dire (10-9) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo mdn hdl (D) gf in Oct '05.
Show No Fear 13-8fav (10-12) Held up, pushed along after 7th, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 48l behind Assumetheposition (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m 4f sll hdl (5) gd in Nov.
