tended to jumped right, led and raced freely, headed 7th, mistake next, weakened 3 out
held up in last pair, headway 7th, soon ridden, jumped slowly 8th, weakened 4 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, challenged 8th, ridden after 4 out, not fluent and no impression 2 out
held up in last pair, headway 9th, ridden after 4 out, weakening when not fluent 2 out
always going well, led 7th, clear from 2 out, very easily
Nonrunner
Winter Star hasn't seen a race track in almost two years but was proving to be quite the hurdler before his prolonged absence, whilst Quedillac may be suited by the drop back in trip for this after struggling in the latter stages last time, but we opt for WHAT'S UP DOC. The selection has been running in flat races of late and will appreciate the step-up in trip and a return to the jumps. Lawney Hill has her runners in good shape at the moment and the statistics read that she has a 50% strike-rate so far at this course this season and a quarter of her entries in steeplechases have won this year. Richard Johnson takes back the ride on Quedillac today having guided him to a win at Wincanton earlier on this year. He was fourth of twelve when last seen in his only start in a Chase and is not ruled out given this was a decent enough first effort. The conditions may put Winter Star in contention who returns after a long break. He is versatile when it comes to the conditions but won't want it any softer than Good to Soft. This race though can go the way of What's Up Doc.
Haka Dancer (USA) 10-1 (11-7) Led until approaching 3rd, remained prominent, weakened after 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Ruby Crown (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May, 8 ran.
Midnite Blews (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Prominent, went 2nd from 4th, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next, 3rd of 14, 21l behind Golden Future (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Quedillac (FR) 9-2 (11-5) Led until 2nd, not fluent 5th, ridden after next, weakened well before 2 out, left remote 2nd 2 out until before last where mistake, 3rd of 4, 31l behind Pure Faith (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Weststern (GER) 9-2 (11-6) Held up mid-division, ridden and struggling from 4 out, 6th of 12, well behind Yellow Flag (11-7) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jun.
What's Up Doc (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Led to 6th, remained in touch, led again 2 out, soon hard pressed, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Fakenham 2m sell hdl (5) gf in May beating Kanad (10-13) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Winter Star 4-1 (12-0) Tracked leader, led 6th to 8th, weakened approaching 2 out, pulled up approaching last, dismounted, in a race won by Thunder Rock (11-8) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Sep '08, 7 ran.
