held up towards rear and raced wide, reminders after 8th, quickly lost place after 9th and reluctant to race, pulled up after next
prominent, weakened from 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led, hit 6th, weakened from next, soon behind, jumped very slow 9th, refused next
prominent, challenged 3 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, smooth headway on inner approaching 3 out, led on bit narrowly before 2 out, ridden after last headed last 100 yards, found nil, lost 2nd close home
with leader, led 3 out, ridden and headed narrowly before 2 out, upsides last, hard ridden and regain lead last 100 yards, kept on gamely
held up in touch on outer, every chance before 2 out, kept on to take 2nd towards finish
held up towards rear and keen, jumped right 3rd, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, joined leader 4th, led 6th, headed 3 out, soon weakened
This is likely to develop into a real slog and few are equipped to deal with conditions as well as Matmata De Tendron. Though better known as a chaser nowadays, the 11-year-old has also won around here over hurdles and will be staying on when others cried enough. However, this marathon trip is also tailor-made for FRENCH TIES who had Oniz Tiptoes and Matmata de Tendron a long way behind when scoring over C&D just over a year ago. Jennie Candlish's gelding has his quirks and ran out when favourite over C&D last month in a race in which On Track finished second. But he's undoubtedly on a decent mark and would take all the beating if back on his best behaviour. Celian won at Uttoxeter in December but was well beaten at Hereford off this mark subsequently and may be found wanting again here.
Ceasar's Return 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders on inner, jumped slow 4 out, ridden before next, 2 lengths in 2nd when fell 2 out, in a race won by Soll (10-12) at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Overlady 15-2 (11-1) Chased leaders, went 2nd 12th until no extra flat, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Darina's Boy (10-5) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr '09.
Celian (FR) 3-1 (12-2) Led, mistake 10th, ridden after 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened well before last, 4th of 7, 34l behind The Hudnalls (11-12) at Hereford 3m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Jan.
Matmata de Tendron (FR) 10-3 (11-6) Tracked leaders, with leader 6th, led 9th, headed 10th, remained close up until jumped slow and weakened 3 out, 4th of 7, 36l behind Billsgrey (10-8) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.
French Ties (IRE) 7-2fav (11-7) In rear, ran out 4th, in a race won by Midnight Diamond (10-3) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Ontrack (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division on outer, headway after 6th, hit 7th, hit 9th, chased winner approaching and jumped left 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 12, 40l behind Midnight Diamond (10-3) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Jan.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear on outer, struggling from 9th, went poor 4th from 2 out, never dangerous, 4th of 12, 45l behind Midnight Diamond (10-3) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Jan.
Why So Serious 150-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, ridden and weakened 3 out,, 11th of 14, well behind Bear's Affair (11-4) at Southwell 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Political Pendant 8-1 (10-11) In rear and well behind, soon towards rear of group, reminders after 4th, weakened from 3 out, 12th of 14, 46l behind Sea Cliff (11-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Jan.
