always behind, hit 6th, jumped slowly 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
led to 2nd, with leader, led again approaching 7th to 8th, weakened approaching 4 out
prominent, ridden after 11th, soon weakened
in touch, led after 11th, fell next
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out
held up, headway after 11th, mistake and hampered 4 out, ridden after 3 out, led last, stayed on
led 2nd, hit 1st, headed approaching 7th, led again 8th, headed after 11th, left in lead 4 out, ridden and headed last, not quickened flat
always towards rear
soon behind
This is possibly the most difficult race on the card as a case can be made for most of them and so a tentative vote is given to Jimmy Bond, The Nomad,Haut de Gamme and Shannon's Pride can also play major roles. Jimmy Bond came to form this time last year, winning three times, including over course and distance. His recent second here over a longer trip also stands out and a big run is expected. Haut de Gamme won over hurdles here and he has to be a threat having contested stronger events recently. Shannon's Pride is a superb jumper and has strong claims on his recent form at Aintree and Hexham. Meanwhile The Nomad has put in two solid displays this season following a long break and could now be spot on for this. Spring Lover is also given every respect here and so in what is a wide open affair Jimmy Bond is a token selection.
Haut de Gamme (FR) 22-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 4 out, in 5th when blundered 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 14, 25l behind Kandjar D'allier (11-4) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy.
Spring Lover (FR) 3-1 (11-10) Led to 4th, chased winner until 7th, weakened after 13th, 4th of 5, 27l behind She's Our Native (10-1) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Shannon's Pride (IRE) 9-4fav (11-6) Led to 6th, lost place 8th, rallied to lead again 11th, headed 2 out, soon no extra, 4th of 8, 9l behind Silver Sedge (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Le Rochelais (FR) 13-8fav (11-4) In touch, outpaced when hit 4 out, no impression from next, 4th of 8, 6l behind Orang Outan (10-4) at Southwell 2m mdn chs (4) gs.
Harry Collins 10-3 (12-3) Held up in touch, ridden 10th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Alderbrook Girl (10-4) at Plumpton 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Nov, 11 ran.
Jimmy Bond 4-1 (10-11) Held up, headway 9th, outpaced after 5 out, soon beaten, 5th of 9, 21l behind Another Promise (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
The Nomad 7-1 (10-5) Led, headed 8th, effort 4 out, ridden and outpaced 2 out, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Coat of Honour (11-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
Your Advantage (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, headway to lead 3 out, ridden next, headed after last, kept on, just held, 2nd of 8, hd behind Sands Rising (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Black Smoke (IRE) 9-2fav (9-12) Held up, hit 6th, headway 10th, ridden 2 out, switched right and led last, drew clear flat, eased towards finish, won at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Mar '05 beating Happy Hussar (10-7) by 14l, 10 ran.
