always prominent, blundered 6th, soon took narrow lead, hit 3 out and reminders, jumped right last, ridden out
led, not fluent 5th and reminders, headed just after next, still every chance when not fluent 3 out, not fluent again last, not quicken flat
held up, driven along after 4th, behind from next, soon tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
prominent until ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, no chance when not fluent last
chased leaders, ridden after 6th, no impression when rider dropped whip and went moderate 3rd approaching 3 out
held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden after 6th, weakening when not fluent 3 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, weakened after 6th
The experience of Dune Raider is expected to be a vital ingredient and he is preferred to hurdles debutante Art Modern, while Petrovka can also go close now that she encounters fast ground. The last named has shaped encouragingly over hurdles and is going the right way. The daughter of King's Theatre registered her best performance to date when second at Huntingdon last time and, as she receives a handy mares allowance, she should not be underestimated if she attracts interest from the betting ring. Art Modern was of a similar level of ability to the selection on the Flat and is sure to be well schooled for this hurdling debut. He is introduced at a modest level and looks sure to be in the thick of the action if Tony McCoy can get a good tune out of him. However, Dune Raider has the edge in terms of knowledge of the 'winter game' and is fancied to cope with his double penalty at this stage of his development.
Dune Raider (USA) 13-8 (11-7) Tracked leaders, led after 2 out, ridden out, won at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf in May beating Ladino (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cardington 8-1 (11-12) With leader, led briefly before 2 out, soon ridden, no extra approaching last, 6th of 12, 10l behind Random Native (11-1) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
Explode 66-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up 3 out in race won by Moon Over Miami (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (4) gd in May, 16 ran.
Johnny Alljays (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened last, 5th of 10, 15l behind My True Romance (9-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in May.
Rythm N Rhyme (IRE) 125-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders and keen, weakened from 3 out, 11th of 15, well behind Theatre Diva (10-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in May.
Art Modern (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Held up behind, ridden 3f out, kept on from over 1f out but not reach leaders, 6th of 12, 3l behind Fantorini (9-3) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Oct (Flat).
Queen Tara 40-1 (10-0) Prominent, led and hit 4th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakenening when not fluent last, 4th of 10, 14l behind Cherished Number (10-11) at Fakenham 2m nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Petrovka (IRE) 25-1 (10-5) Always prominent, led after 3 out, ridden and headed when mistake last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Estate (10-3) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) gd in May.
