in touch, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden to lead narrowly between last 2, headed after last, kept on
in touch, effort 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next
mid-division on inside, outpaced when jumped right from 3 out, soon no impression
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed between last 2, no extra flat
in touch, disputed lead 4 out, driven after next, soon one pace
tracked leader to 4 out, outpaced next soon ridden, kept on flat
held up, headway 3 out, ridden to lead after last, ran on
soon behind, tailed off when jumped right from 3 out
always behind
Nonrunner
Circassian gets the nod over Town Crier, Aleron, Industrial Star and Archie Babe. Circassian's best effort last term was a 12-length defeat of Yaboya at Haydock in December, and a subsequent fifth behind Straw Bear at Aintree was another fair run. He may well have had enough when beaten at Kelso in May, and although plenty high enough in the weights now, a break will have done him the world of good. Howard Johnson's gelding is sure to pick up a few nice handicaps this winter, and can start the ball rolling here. Town Crier is much better handicapped over hurdles than fences, but was soundly beaten in the corresponding event last year, and can be opposed again, while Aleron goes well here but does have to give weight away all round. Stablemate Archie Babe may need a stiffer test to be seen to best advantage, but Industrial Star may have more to offer, having won over hurdles at Catterick in January. He was successful there on the Flat in June as well, and may be in the shake-up without quite being good enough. For the winner we return to Circassian.
Aleron (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) In touch, chased leaders 6th, led approaching last, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Sept beating Ball O Malt (10-8) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Town Crier (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Mid-division, hit 7th, tracked winner from next, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 24l behind Nyrche (10-11) at Ayr 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Apr.
Portavadie 20-1 (11-4) Held up, effort 7th, no impression, 7th of 12, 14l behind Aleron (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Sept.
Circassian (IRE) 11-8 (11-2) Not fluent, led, headed approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Premier Dane (11-1) at Kelso 2m 2f hdl (3) gf in May.
Crathorne (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened after, 9th of 16, 22l behind Rushneeyriver (10-8) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Aug.
Industrial Star (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Blundered 1st, chased leaders in 4th, hard ridden 2 out, 3rd and held when hit last, 3rd of 18, 10l behind Midas Way (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Mar.
Archie Babe (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Tracked winner until 4th, remained prominent, ridden after 6th, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Red Moor (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in May.
Hilltime (IRE) 18-1 (10-7) Chased leader, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 11, 7l behind Festive Chimes (10-3) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf.
