held up just off the pace in 6th, headway chasing leaders 4 out, mistake and outpaced next, plugged on into modest 3rd inside final 150 yards
chased winner, pushed along and lost 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden and one pace between last 2, awkward last, weakened into 4th inside final 150 yards
raced keenly, held up in last pair, closer at 10th, pushed along before hit 14th, blundered and unseated rider 16th
tracked leading pair, hit 16th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, strong challenge last, driven and stayed on run-in, always just held
mostly jumped well, clear before 14th until ridden and hit 2 out, strongly pressed last, driven and stayed on gamely run-in
held up tracking leaders on inside, lost place slightly 10th, rallied 13th, outpaced 15th, no chance after
Vivas can run well fresh but his form last season left much to be desired. Cobra De Mai also has plenty to prove at present while IRISH PROPHECY has pulled up in his last two outings. The latter had excuses on both occasions, however, and is probably capable of giving the weight away to the hat-trick seeking Quartz Du Rheu and Haul Away if anywhere near his best. The latter has won three times already this season and is 9lb lower than over hurdles, though almost certainly better over the smaller obstacles. Monty Guiry has won between the flags and over hurdles so should make a chaser but is thrown in at the deep end here.
Irish Prophecy (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Led before 3rd, headed next, with leader when blundered 12th, weakened quickly and pulled up before 4 out, at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Cobra De Mai (FR) 25-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, tailed off when hit 17th, pulled up before 3 out, at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Nov.
Vivas (FR) 14-1 (11-9) Held up, closed 8th, disputing 3 lengths 3rd when fell 15th, at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Quartz Du Rheu (FR) 11-8fav (11-2) Held up in rear, headway 2 out, about 4 lengths down when left disputing lead 110 yards from line, stayed on, holding 2nd towards finish, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Kabrit (10-3) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Haul Away (IRE) 9-2 (12-6) Led until 1st, chased leader, led 3 out, edged left and driven clear flat, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Goa Lil (11-7) by 3l, 4 ran.
Monty Guiry (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Jumped left throughout, led, headed 2 out, no extra, tailed off, last of 3, dist behind Geordie Des Champs (11-12) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) gf in Jun.
