In the final race, a conditionals' handicap hurdle, LEITH WALK has improved in two starts in these ranks and with more weight removed can go in this time at the expense of Macchiato, who looked back to form last time, and Mister Pete might represent some value. It would appear the pick's dropping mark is responsible for his improved efforts and after placing at Aintree in a better contest the last time we saw him he should go a couple of places better this time under another reduced weight. Macchiato benefited for a break last time by putting in her best run for a while. Based on her old form she's still well weighted and she should be a bit fitter for the run. Mister Pete now looks handy at the weights after two solid outings this season while Freedom Flying's recent purple patch needs to be noted although the testing conditions look against her this time. It's a tricky race to finish off with but Leith Walk looks good in the handicap and should go in.
Leith Walk (IRE) 12-1 (10-5) Keen early, held up, behind 8th, progress but no on terms when went 4th 3 out, left moderate 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 8, 18l behind Baikaline (9-4) at Aintree 2m 4f cond hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Freedom Flying 4-1 (11-1) Mid-division, reminders 3rd, took closer order 5th, challenged approaching 2 out, led before last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Hexham 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Nov beating Rexmehead (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Braden Brook (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 12, 37l behind Washington Irving (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Macchiato 28-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, ridden to chase leading pair after 3 out, stayed on same pace flat, went 2nd last strides, 2nd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Festival Dreams (9-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
Young Buddy 66-1 (10-5) Mid-division, driven and outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 6th of 9, 35l behind King Fontaine (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft.
I'm Your Man 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching last until one pace flat, 3rd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Blacks Bridge (11-6) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs.
Samizdat (FR) 7-1 (10-12) Prominent, one pace from last, 5th of 17, 2 1/2l behind Amir Pasha (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f am hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs.
Boyoboy (IRE) 125-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, 9th of 12, well behind Alasi (10-12) at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Wor Rom (IRE) 18-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 8th, weakened from 3 out, 9th of 10, well behind Broughton Green (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Mister Pete (IRE) 9-2 (10-11) Prominent, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 10, 34l behind Broughton Green (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Pay On (IRE) 5-1 (9-9) Held up, effort 8th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 16l behind Solway Sunset (11-12) at Cartmel 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Nobel (FR) 16-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and lost place after 10th, soon behind, 7th of 12, well behind Uptown Lad (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-85 (5) gf in Jun.
Nightboat To Cairo (IRE) 66-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened from 2 out, 8th of 9, 21l behind Sacrilege (11-12) at Leicester 2m sll hdl (5) gd in Nov.
