mid-division, blundered 3rd, effort after 4 out, ridden and chased leaders next, driven and went 2nd approaching last, kept on one pace run-in
prominent, hit 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened from next
led, ridden and headed 5th, 4 lengths down and weakening then unseated rider 4 out
tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 4 out
mid-division until ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 3 out
held up, chased leading pack and ridden 3 out, no impression
always behind, lost touch 3 out
towards rear, hit 5th, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace from next, nearest finish
RIVER SHANAKILL has the look of a good thing in this opener, while Elzahann and Just Posh can emerge as the main dangers. The Howard Johnson-trained selection continued some decent form that she had showed in Ireland by winning over this trip at Newcastle on her first start in Britain. Cut in the ground suits her, she had a fair bit in hand that day, and even if she doesn't find lots of improvement she should still be good enough. Elzahann has a two wins from three record, having scored at Catterick in a bumper and then in a novices¿ hurdle back there last time. She was out of sorts on soft ground in between those two runs, but that may have been a case of her needing the race and provided she does handle conditions then she will probably be the big threat. Just Posh has not been good enough to win in 14 starts in all three National Hunt disciplines thus far and she would be a surprise winner, but we can't underestimate her experience against her own sex here and she may be up to landing some prize money. Crow Spinney won a Stratford bumper in September but has been thrashed under penalties since and tries hurdles for the first time here. The jury is out where she is concerned at the moment. Little else makes appeal and we¿ll side with River Shanakill.
Elzahann (IRE) 7-2 (10-10) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, readily, won at Catterick 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd beating Naturally Inspired (10-3) by 5l, 15 ran.
River Shanakill (IRE) 1-2fav (10-10) With leader, led 6th, made rest, driven clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m 4f mrs mdn hdl (5) gs in Nov beating Starbougg (10-10) by 6l, 16 ran.
Ashgrove Diamond (IRE) 200-1 (9-11) Mid-division, weakened from 8th, soon beaten, 14th of 15, well behind Glencree (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Nov.
Campine Rose (IRE) 8-1 (10-2) In touch, headway and every chance over 3f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 12, 7l behind Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Chamerion 16-1 (9-12) Held up towards rear, reminders halfway, soon outpaced, 9th of 19, 32l behind Kaskader (10-10) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Mar.
Cozwecan (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, soon tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Mirage Dore (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Crow Spinney 16-1 (10-12) Led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 15, 31l behind Diklers Oscar (11-0) at Wetherby 2m mrs nhf (5) gd in Nov.
Don't Tell Louie 33-1 (10-7) Prominent, ridden 3 out, soon beaten, 10th of 15, 38l behind Elzahann (10-10) at Catterick 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd.
Just Posh 9-2 (10-10) In touch, outpaced 4th, ridden 3 out, stayed on to go 3rd next, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Viscount Rossini (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.
Kafamber 40-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, weakened before halfway, 7th of 10, well behind Brackenmoss (11-2) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Lets Go Girls 11-4fav (10-10) Mid-division, headway and effort after 3 out, soon driven and beaten, 6th of 15, 14l behind Elzahann (10-10) at Catterick 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd.
