always prominent, chased leader from 2nd, led 9th, headed 11th, ridden from 12th, mistake last, left in lead when leader jinked flat, stayed on
mid-division, ridden after 10th, behind from 12th
held up in rear, 7th when fell 10th
chased leaders, went 2nd after 4 out, mistake 3 out and lost 2nd, soon ridden, beaten before last, weakened flat
chased leader to 2nd, remained prominent, weakened approaching 9th
led to 9th, mistake 11th, weakened 4 out
mid-division, not fluent 6th, headway approaching 8th, led 11th, mistake 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, led approaching last, soon edged left, jinked left towards paddock exit flat, soon headed, no extra
held up, headway when hit 7th, mistake 11th, hung left after 2 out, soon headed, stayed on same pace flat
soon towards rear, ridden after 7th, lost touch from 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
not jumped well, always in rear, no chance from 9th
BACK NINE is normally a reliable sort so his run last time in the Foxhunters' at Cheltenham was disappointing, albeit in exalted company, but back in this grade he is nominated ahead of Rydal Park, Armoury House and Shammy Buskins. A winner at this track in May, the selection has a new jockey on board today but familiar headgear, as the tongue-tie and cheek-pieces combo is once again restored. He handles this ground and is taken to lead them a merry dance from the front. Cassia Heights does not seem to be in much form, and as a 14-year-old that is unlikely to change, whilst Rydal Park's recent fourth at Leicester reads well and this is his sort of track. Likely to improve for that first run in 10 months he is a huge danger. Armoury House is another course winner but his fitness has to be taken on trust, whilst blinkers are tried on Cash In Hand in the hope of eliciting some more improvement. Although he hasn't distinguished himself here before, the less exposed Shammy Buskins could run well at a price; however it is Back Nine who is nominated.
Back Nine (IRE) 100-1 (12-0) Held up, mistakes and reminders 11th, detached next and pulled up at the 13th in race won by Cappa Bleu (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gs, 24 ran.
Cassia Heights 33-1 (11-11) Chased leader until approaching 8th, not fluent 13th, soon weakened, 5th of 11, well behind Enitsag (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 4f hts chs (5) gd.
Rydal Park (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-13) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, stayed on from last, 4th of 10, 4l behind Coolefind (12-0) at Leicester 2m 7f hts chs (3) gs.
Armoury House 7-1 (12-7) Held up; eff aft 12; nvr nr to chall, 4th of 6, 39l behind Bee An Bee (12-7) at Godstone 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Ashgreen 20-1 (11-0) Prom to 14, 5th of 14, 21l behind Honest Endeavour (11-7) at Garnons 3m ptp gd.
Cash In Hand (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Raced keenly, led 2nd until before 4th, lost place 9th, well behind from 12th, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Take The Stand (12-1) at Warwick 3m 2f hts chs (6) gd.
Caveman 1-3fav (12-7) Trckd ldrs; led 16; kpt on, won at Ampton 3m ptp gd beating Maestro Please (12-0) by 3l, 7 ran.
Hemington 9-4fav (12-0) Hdwy 14; bd 4 out brought down in race won by Prince Car (12-0) at Cottenham 3m ptp gf, 13 ran.
Imperial Dream (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Tracked leader until weakened 4 out, 6th of 9, 39l behind Itzacliche (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hts chs (6) gf in May.
Shammy Buskins 25-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, mistake 5th, ridden after 10th, went remote 3rd when mistake 2 out, 3rd of 8, 23l behind Take The Stand (12-1) at Warwick 3m 2f hts chs (6) gd.
