held up, mistake 8th, weakening when fell 12th
led to 2nd, chased leader, pushed along approaching 7th, weakened from 12th
prominent, led approaching 3 out, ridden approaching next, stayed on well from last
with leaders, led 2nd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, left 2nd last, weakened flat
in touch, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and every chance next, staying on one pace and disputed 2nd when unseated rider last, remounted
in touch, weakened from 11th, tailed off when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
tracked leaders, weakened approaching 4 out, left poor 3rd, last
mid-division, hit 4th, weakened from 5 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up mid-division, weakened 5 out, pulled up before 2 out
always behind, pulled up before 12th
towards rear, struggling when stumbled badly 5 out, soon pulled up
always behind, ridden 10th, pulled up before 12th
always behind, struggling from 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 5 out
Briar's Mist has been consistent enough and merits the vote over Hazeljack, with See You Around and Shoulton likely to get involved as well. Briar's Mist has plenty of experience over the bigger obstacles and has shaped well since returning to the fray in October. Chris Grant's charge found the trip a bit too far when third at Sedgefield last time and will be better suited to this slightly shorter distance. He has disappointed in the main since leaving Henrietta Knight but the son of Roselier is still only seven-years-old. Hazeljack has been placed on his last two starts, while See You Around is another that has shown some promise. Shoulton comes from a small yard that knows how to get them to jump, but has his fair share of weight. In contrast, Steve The Fish has a light weight so cannot be discounted for a place. Up The Pub has the assistance of Andy Thornton so is worth looking at also, but for the winner we return to Briar's Mist.
