prominent, ridden from 3rd, lost place 6th, behind 10th, pulled up before next
awkward on landing 1st, held up in rear, headway approaching 12th, weakened 2 out, jumped right last
tracked leaders, every chance when mistake 3 out, one pace from next
held up towards rear, headway 7th, not fluent next, went prominent 12th until not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, went badly right 2 out, pulled up before last
with leader, led 13th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace
held up towards rear, headway 7th, mistake 12th, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, eased towards finish
led until 13th, still every chance after 3 out, weakened next
mid-division, pushed along 7th, lost place next, struggling in 7th when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
held up in rear, not fluent, reminders 4th, mistake 13th, blundered next, stayed on to take 4th last, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden 12th, lost place next, weakened approacing next, tailed off
RIVER INDUS is given the tentative vote to gain victory in this tough handicap at the expense of Alexanderthegreat and Pinerock. The selection has been a model of consistency in recent months and always seems to give his supporters a good run for their money. It is true to say his strike rate is not great but if at his best he is sure to be battling up the steep Towcester hill at the business end of the race. Alexanderthegreat caught the eye after finishing second to Shammy Buskins at Uttoxeter last time out. He is another that is not a prolific winner but he has strong each way claims coming from a top stable. Pinerock will pose as the biggest danger to the selection having run well in first time visors at Southwell last time out after finishing second to Tora Bora. Cheekpieces are applied this time around and with Tony McCoy on board he will be getting all the assistance form the saddle. River Indus loves a battle and has conditions in his favour.
Bubble Boy (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Soon led, headed approaching 4th, lost place 7th, reminders 9th, weakened after next, behind when pulled up 5 out, in a race won by Back Exit (11-4) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr, 8 ran.
Pinerock (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 9th, went 3rd approaching 2 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Tora Bora (10-2) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
Alexanderthegreat (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Led to 2nd, remained in touch, led again after 4 out, hard pressed next, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure until headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Shammy Buskins (11-6) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf.
The Hollow Bottom 7-1 (11-11) Soon tracking leader, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakend, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Rusty Red (10-2) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr, 5 ran.
River Indus 5-1 (11-2) Mostly chased leader, outpaced and dropped in rear 14th, rallied before 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Ballycarney (11-2) at Exeter 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
Lucky Luk (FR) 16-1 (10-13) Chased leading pair, lost place 9th, ridden and blundered 3 out, 6th of 11, 24l behind Bubble Boy (11-4) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec.
Terrible Tenant 8-1 (10-9) Made most until 12th, mainly chased winner after, ridden 4 out, lost 2nd 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Ballycarney (11-2) at Exeter 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
Sesame Rambler (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, driven and lost place after 10th, no danger after, weakened before 3 out, 5th of 10, 34l behind Shammy Buskins (11-6) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf.
Lord Brunello (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Held up, in rear when fell 9th, in a race won by Roseneath (11-1) at Huntingdon 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gs, 9 ran.
Keltic Lord 66-1 (9-7) Towards rear, struggling when mistake 11th, always behind, 9th of 17, 46l behind Mister Apple's (11-3) at Cheltenham 3m am hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in Oct.
