led, not fluent 5th, headed 4 out, no impression on winner and one pace in 3rd when not fluent last
tracked leaders, mistake 7th, 4th and outpaced 3 out
led into start, held up in rear, jumped left and big 2nd, in touch after 4 out, outpaced before 3 out, well held after
held up in rear, took keen hold, went right 7th, headway next, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before last
held up in touch, closed when not fluent 4 out, 2nd from 3 out, no impression on winner last, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, led 4 out, clear last, stayed on well, readily
Nonrunner
NO LIKEY won around here on his last start over hurdles in May 2014. He can race off the same mark as when successful over fences at Stratford last month and, with trip and going ideal, there is no reason why he won't be in the firing line again. Kalifourchon bids for a third win in four starts but a 9lb higher mark looks restrictive as he steps up a grade. Champagne Present is better than he showed at Southwell last week but Itshard To No has his first run for Kerry Lee and steps up from Irish maiden company. Hawdyerwheesht should give account, however, as he won over course and distance last year and didn't enjoy fences last time.
Champagne Present (IRE) 5-2fav (11-8) In rear and keen, effort before 2 out, never dangerous, 6th of 7, dist behind Big Generator (11-1) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Sep.
No Likey (IRE) 4-1fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, led narrowly after 4 out, ridden before last, kept on flat, won at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Aug beating Town Mouse (11-1) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
High Counsel (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Hdwy 5; led 13; r.o wl, won at Chaddesley Corbett 3m gf in May beating Awesome George (11-0) by 1l, 6 ran.
Itshard To No (IRE) 7-2fav (11-4) Raced in rear, went 4th after 4th, took closer order after 4 out and soon went 3rd, further progress into 2nd 3 out, pushed along to challenge last and soon ridden, went wide into straight and kept on best to lead inside final 100 yards, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f mdn gd in Aug beating Listen Dear (11-5) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Detroit Blues 14-1 (11-5) Mid-division outpaced after 4 out, ridden after next, no impression from 2 out, went modest 4th flat, 4th of 8, 13 1/4l behind At First Light (10-12) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Aug.
Kalifourchon (FR) 7-2fav (10-12) Chased leaders, 2nd at 7th, led next, 2 lengths ahead when not fluent last, pressed briefly run-in, soon driven clear, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Aug beating Mac Bertie (10-11) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Hawdyerwheesht 8-1 (11-4) Ran loose before start, tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, blundered 4th and 7th, outpaced in 4th after 5 out, left moderate 3rd next, no chance with front pair after, tailed off, 3rd of 5, dist behind Purple 'n Gold (11-4) at Worcester 2m (4) gs in Aug.
