tracked leader, left in lead 7th, not fluent 2nd last, ran on well flat
held up in rear, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, stayed on same pace
held up towards rear, mistake 5th, not fluent 8th and 9th, soon under pressure, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, hampered 7th, ridden to challenge after 3 out, stayed on same pace approaching last
Tessanoora, Elerslie Tom and Enlightenment look the three to concentrate on in this novices chase and the nomination is given to Tessanoora. The selection was a fair second behind Vaughan last time out. That form looks solid and under conditions that suit he is taken to put her experience to good use over her main rivals. Ellerslie Tom rates the main danger as he was a fair hurdler and is sure to have been well schooled for this his chasing debut. However he is not very big and at likely odds he looks worth opposing. Enlightenment was progressive over hurdles last season and is another that could go well but his best form is with more cut in the ground and he is taken on with this in mind. The Stickler is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he has had plenty of chances without taking one and with this in mind for the winner we return to Tessanoora.
Ellerslie Tom 4-1fav (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, every chance when not fluent 2 out, soon outpaced, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Norma Hill (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Aug.
Enlightenment (IRE) 10-11fav (11-12) Led at decent pace, mistake 3rd, joined 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, weakened quickly, 5th of 10, 18l behind Benetwood (11-6) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Star Galaxy (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, led 4 out, ridden last, kept on, headed towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Donovan (11-6) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Jul.
The Stickler 7-1 (11-11) Held up, headway 4 out, one pace from last, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Milord Lescribaa (11-11) at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Aug.
Tessanoora 11-8fav (10-13) Held up, headway approaching 11th, ridden after 3 out, beaten when left clear 2nd 2 out, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Vaughan (11-6) at Stratford 2m 4f nov chs (3) gf in Jun.