tracked leaders, went 2nd from 7th, led 2 out, soon clear, easily
led, headed 2 out, ridden before last, one pace
held up in touch and keen, weakened from 4 out
in rear, pushed along approaching 5th, struggling from 6th, blundered 7th, never dangerous
prominent and raced wide, weakened after 4 out
held up towards rear, headway 8th, went 3rd from 4 out, ridden before 2 out, one pace
Neither Schinken Otto or WAR PARTY exactly excel in testing conditions but both have by far the best form claims so a chance is taken with the latter. Dr Newland doesn't have a big string but places his horses well and after the selection took advantage of a low looking mark in some style last time he can go well from his revised rating. Schinken Otto should make life tough after he added a third win at this track in 10 starts with a plenty to spare but he has it to prove off this mark while Seigneur Des Bois is potentially very interesting having performed well in testing conditions in France. Northern Quest has a chance off the rating based on his last success but that is becoming a fading memory so War Party can get a follow up win.
War Party 13-2 (10-13) Led until 3rd, led after next, clear 2 out, ridden out, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Oct beating Wingull (11-0) by 5l, 7 ran.
Northern Quest (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Held up in rear and keen, weakened from approaching 6 out, pulled up after 5 out, in a race won by You Know Yourself (11-5) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs, 6 ran.
Schinken Otto (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Chased leader, hit 9th, led next, always in command, shaken up after last, ran on well, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft beating Best Horse (11-1) by 8l, 10 ran.
Seigneur Des Bois (FR) 33-1 (10-8) In touch, hit 6th, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 39l behind Sonowyouno (11-2) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (4) hvy.
Toulouse Express (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Led, headed and mistake 10th, weakened from next, 5th of 9, well behind Tyrone House (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs.
Nifty Roy 50-1 (11-11) Led, headed 6th, remained close up led again 7th, headed 2 out, soon ridden and weakened, 4th of 10, 27l behind Janal (9-9) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Mighty Magnus (IRE) 22-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 25l behind Primrose Time (10-10) at Carlisle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Oct.
Still Calm 80-1 (10-11) In rear, mistakes, weakened 4 out, 5th of 7, 38l behind Edgeover (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in Jun.
