mid-division, hampered 4 out, ridden next, kept on same pace from 2 out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on under pressure to go 3rd flat, no impression
mid-division, headway halfway, 3rd and in touch when fell 4 out
mistakes, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader throughout, stayed on to lead last, ridden clear flat
mid-division, headway halfway, left 3rd when hampered 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace 2 out, lost 3rd flat, no impression
held up, ridden 5th, never on terms
led, ridden and headed last, no impression flat
in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
soon behind, struggling 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
The ground will make plenty of impact on how they bet and PEN GWEN is our tentative pick ahead of Justwhateverulike and Whatcanyasay. Blinkers appeared to spark Kate Walton's charge into life and having set a furious gallop at Exeter, he managed to burn off all but one of the challengers. If the trick works twice, he can account for a modest field on this occasion. Justwhateverulike has been busy over the summer. He has raced on a similar surface before so is worthy of respect. Whatcanyasay is a previous winner at Sedgefield though his latest run at Carlisle was poor. Schinken Otto is a likeable enough type though he seems not to be at his best with plenty of give in the ground. Russian Flag looks ungenuine and is not one to be on at short prices. Daraybad is another for whom good plans did not work out as intended. Blast The Past has first time cheekpieces and would have to be factored into this if he can handle the likely going. A real headscratcher for the punters and Pen Gwen receives our recommendation.
Pen Gwen (FR) 13-2 (11-8) Led, ridden, headed soon after 2 out, kept on, soon held, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Et Maintenant (11-7) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in May.
Schinken Otto (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Mid-division, raced keenly, headway 3rd, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Cheating Chance (11-2) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in Oct, 11 ran.
Russian Flag (FR) 66-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, headway on inside after 2 out, never really in contention, 10th of 20, 18l behind Font (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (2) gd in Oct.
Daraybad (FR) 18-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 11th of 13, well behind Mhilu (11-5) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (4) frm in Oct.
Blast The Past 12-1 (11-9) Towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, held from 2 out, 8th of 18, 9l behind Black Cloud (10-11) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Justwhateverulike (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) In touch, smooth headway and every chance 4 out, ridden next, soon one pace, 3rd of 10, 29l behind Classic Harry (11-5) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jul.
Whatcanyasay 10-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, behind from 7th, 9th of 10, well behind Lerida (9-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Oct.
Cedar Rapids (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In rear, lost touch 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out pulled up 4 out in race won by Final Veto (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jun, 16 ran.
Goodnight Dick (IRE) 50-1 (11-8) In rear, blundered and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Ours (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp chs (5) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Athollbrose (USA) 100-1 (10-9) Prominent, blundered badly and dropped rear 4th, behind when blundered 8th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Kalahari King (11-2) at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Oct, 12 ran.
