left in lead 1st, ridden 4 out, stayed on under pressure
chased leaders, lost place 7th, outpaced from 3 out, no impression
chased leaders, lost place 6th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, blundered badly 1st, chased winner approaching 8th, in 4th and beaten when blundered last
soon chasing winner until approaching 8th, hit 2 out, soon weakened
held up, blundered and unseated rider 1st
held up mid-division, mistake 5th, chased leaders from 3 out, one pace from last
held up, outpaced 9th, headway 4 out, every chance when hit last, no extra towards finish
mid-division, behind from 8th
Ellerslie Tom is our pick with Orpen Wide and Master Nimbus put forward as the dangers. With the rising cost of diesel, it's some way from Alison Thorpe's base to Sedgefield and the fact that Richard Johnson is here also, suggests that something positive is anticipated. Granted, he hasn't lived up to his hurdling form as yet but there has at least been some encouragement in efforts thus far. Orpen Wide will do well to concede penalties all around. His hurdling form has tailed off spectacularly but he should at least be fit. Master Nimbus obliged on the flat at Pontefract this summer. He has won six hurdle races in his career thus far. Roman Villa looked useful last year over hurdles. Backers will need to forgive him a couple of blobs in his most recent starts. Overbranch is a previous winner here albeit on bottomless going. Artless unseated her rider at the first at Perth in May and has not been seen out since. All For The Cause won his bumper at Sedgefield on fast ground and might be one to consider at longer odds. Ellerslie Tom gets the vote.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) In rear, never near leaders, 6th of 12, 17l behind Bantry Bere (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs.
All For The Cause (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up, challenged 4 out, chased winner next until weakened 2 out, left poor 3rd last, 3rd of 7, 46l behind Zilcash (11-5) at Aintree 2m nov chs (4) gd in May.
Commanche Topgun (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Chased leader in 2nd, improved to challenged after 2 out, no extra in 2nd approaching last, soon weakened, 5th of 15, 11l behind Spanish Parade (11-5) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-90 gs in Aug.
Ellerslie Tom 15-8 (11-0) Led, set good pace, headed approaching 2 out, soon held, 2nd of 7, 13l behind Qrackers (10-6) at N Abbot 2m nov chs (4) gd in Aug.
Film Festival (USA) 4-5fav (11-5) Made all, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf beating Bedizen (11-5) by 3l, 9 ran.
Is It Me (USA) 12-1 (11-12) Made all, soon clear, ridden 3 out, mistake last, held on, won at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Jul beating Nortonthorpe Lad (11-0) by a shd, 10 ran.
Lindseyfield Lodge (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Held up, steady headway when hit 5th, soon ridden and behind, 12th of 13, 18l behind Mucho Loco (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf.
Master Nimbus 16-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, one pace from 2 out, no extra towards finish, 5th of 14, 20l behind Woolcombe Folly (11-11) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
New Wish (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) In rear, blunderd 2nd, struggling 5th, never dangerous, 12th of 16, 33l behind Gamma Velorum (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f cnd sll hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Roman Villa (USA) 11-8 (11-12) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no extra approaching 3 out, soon weakened and pulled up in race won by Royal Approval (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hdl gs in Aug, 6 ran.
Artless (USA) 8-11fav (11-5) Led until jinked right and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Hi Density (10-12) at Perth 2m hdl (4) gf in May, 8 ran.
Overbranch 8-1 (11-10) With leader, led 2nd until approaching 3rd, ridden after 5th, weakened under pressure after 3 out, 7th of 13, 41l behind Arctic Magic (11-7) at Stratford 2m 3f mrs hcp hdl (3) sft in Apr.
