disputed lead at decent pace after 2nd, led outright 6th, headed and ridden after 3 out, no extra from before 2 out
led 1st, disputed lead at decent pace after 2nd, not fluent and headed 6th, bad mistake 3 out, soon beaten
held up in mid-division, pushed along after 5th, ridden along 6th, made no impression from 3 out
raced in touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, kept on well run-in
held up towards rear, nudged along after 5th, struggling and tailed off 3 out
chased clear leaders, not fluent 4th, headway approaching 5th, led after 3 out, pushed along for effort before 2 out, ran on well flat
midfield, pushed along before 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened from 2 out
midfield, struggling and dropped to rear 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
raced greenly in rear, slow 3rd, mistake 4th and given reminders, pushed along from 5th, tailed off 3 out
mistake 1st, pushed along after 5th, soon struggling and tailed off before 3 out
Paul Nicholls is very keen to keep Celestial Force on the go while there is fast going around. The five-year-old has already won twice but has to give 14lb and upwards to his rivals less Bryan Carver’s claim. Caddyhill was only half-a-length in a Hereford maiden earlier this month but Isolate was a disappointing favourite at Bangor, though probably needed that run. GLORY AND HONOUR was heavily supported for an Exeter bumper on his debut under Rules. Given his pointing background, he should relish a first try over hurdles so gets the nod.
Celestial Force (IRE) 1-3fav (11-5) Made all, ran around approaching 3rd, upped tempo 4th, went clear after 3 out, reduced advantage and ran around before 2 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on well flat, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m 4f (4) gf in Oct beating Moon of Baroda (10-12) by 3l, 2 ran.
Caddyhill (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Led, pressed 4th and headed briefly, led before 2 out, pressed approaching last, pushed along and responding gamely, led last, hard-ridden and kept on, headed inside final 110 yards, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Benson (11-5) at Hereford 2m mdn (4) gf in Oct.
Dorking Rogue 50-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway 4 out, never on terms, well held from 3 out, left 4th 2 out, 4th of 9, dist behind Shantou Express (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn (4) gf in Oct.
Glory And Honour (IRE) 11-10fav (11-0) Led, joined on home straight, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on but no match for winner close home, 2nd of 9, 7l behind Any News (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f (5) gf in Oct.
Howardian Hills (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Held up towards rear, made headway over 4f out, ridden along over 2f out, plugged on one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 9 1/2l behind Lady Elysia (9-6) at Bath 1m 4f hcp (6) gf in Sep.
Isolate (FR) 2-1fav (11-0) Held up in midfield, headway before 4 out, ridden into modest third before last, ran on, 3rd of 10, 26 1/2l behind Guard Your Dreams (11-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (4) gs in Sep.
Judex Lefou (IRE) 4-7fav (11-2) Led, pushed along and headed 3 out, soon ridden, well held next, mistake and lost 2nd at the last, weakened into 4th run-in, 4th of 6, 14l behind Dora De Janeiro (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (5) sft in Feb.
Ritas Legacy 250-1 (10-12) Soon led, headed 4 out, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out, pulled up 2 out, at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) gd in Oct.
Valentino Sulamani gelding out of Romance Dance.
Tranquil Dawn (IRE) 300-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, some late progress, no impression on leaders, 6th of 12, 17 3/4l behind Will Sting (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
