edgy, raced keenly tracking leader, led 13th, narrowly headed 4 out, chased leader, led again last, ridden and idled run-in, just did enough
led, not fluent headed and lost 2nd 13th, outpaced and struggling 3 out, soon beaten
waited with in close 3rd, went 2nd 13th, led 4 out, shaken up before 2 out, ridden when mistake and headed last, closed on idling winner but aways held
NonRunner
The fast-improving KINONDO KWETU has beaten Judge Earle the last twice and, though Sam England’s six-year-old carries a penalty in this, those placings should be confirmed again. Trixster was in good form in the spring but is having a first run since April while Twig was comfortably beaten in a three-runner race at Worcester when stepping out of hunter chase company.
Twig 9-4 (11-12) Chased winner from 2nd, switched right before 4 out, ridden and hung left before last, hanging left and no impression flat, 2nd of 3, 3l behind Found On (11-5) at Worcester 2m 7f (3) gd in Sep.
Judge Earle (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Mostly jumped well, joined from 3 out, narrowly headed 2 out, still every chance until winner quickened on at the last, no extra in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Kinondo Kwetu (11-9) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Trixster (IRE) 15-8fav (11-0) Held up in 5th, closer tracking leaders approaching 3rd, not fluent 10th, went 2nd after 11th (water), pushed along before 4 out, ridden and closer 2 out, 2 lengths down last, weakened run-in, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Broken Quest (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Kinondo Kwetu 7-4fav (11-9) Tracked leaders on inside, travelling well 2 out, quickened to lead at the last, came easily clear, won at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Farouk De Cheneau (11-9) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
