led to 6th, chased leaders until outpaced 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, headway 7th, led 4 out, clear 2 out, ridden out, comfortably
chased leaders, lost place 7th, behind when blundered next, soon pulled up
held up, struggling 9th, never dangerous
mid-division, chased leaders 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went 2nd between last 2, kept on, no chance with winner
held up, headway 7th, chased leaders 3 out, kept on, no impression
mid-division, pushed along 7th, soon lost place, no danger after
in touch, led 6th, headed 4 out, weakened after next
always behind, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out
with leader, reminders 5th, soon lost place, behind when pulled up before 8th
Flake gets the nod over Persian Point and College City, with Neptune Joly and Hollows Mill also worth a mention. Having been given a gutsy ride by Tjade Collier to score over hurdles at Haydock last month, Flake is now put back over fences by Sue Smith, and although not quite as well treated, is fit and fancied to follow up in the orange and black colours of Keith Nicholson. He has ground conditions to suit here, and although he has won over further here in the past, this trip is probablt to his advantage, given that he has to carry 11st 11lb. Persian Point won a maiden chase at Catterick in March and has taken on good company since then without success. He was fancied here last time despite returning from a summer break, but found one too good, and will strip fitter now. He rates a threat along with College City who, although successful over further at Fakenham last time, is pretty consistent and looks booked for the frame at least. Neptune Joly has shaped like a stayer, while Hollows Mill needs to jump better than he did at Newcastle last time. Flake is a progressive sort and is the pick.
Flake 5-1 (11-5) Chased leader, led 2nd, headed after 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, ridden clear, won at Haydock 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Oct beating Neven (9-11) by 3l, 14 ran.
Neptune Joly (FR) 14-1 (10-10) Towards rear, headway from 13th, every chance next, blundered 3 out and weakened from last, 5th of 8, 19l behind Alexanderthegreat (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd.
College City (IRE) 15-2 (11-8) In touch, headway and left 2nd 4 out, led briefly 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Before The Mast (10-10) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Hollows Mill 5-2 (10-7) Chased leaders, chased winner and blundered 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Jefertiti (11-1) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Sands Rising 20-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, weakened from 8th, 4th of 5, 16l behind Jefertiti (11-1) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Tagar (FR) 6-1 (11-1) In touch to 8th, 4th of 7, 10l behind Jefertiti (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Oct.
Persian Point 15-8fav (10-3) Tracked winner until 5th, chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, chased winner approaching last, no impression, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Stormy Beech (10-0) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Pavey Ark (IRE) 9-1 (9-9) Towards rear, blundered badly 7th, outpaced when unseated rider 4 out in race won by Shannon's Pride (11-8) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs, 8 ran.
