tracked leaders, reminder and lost place 8th, headway to chase leaders approaching 4 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, ridden and weakened after 5 out
led, hit 10th, headed after 5 out, soon ridden, blundered 3 out, soon outpaced
held up, headway to track leaders 5th, not fluent 9th, going well when unseated rider 11th
held up in rear, steady headway 9th and raced wide, tracked leaders 5 out, led on bit 3 out, clear after 2 out, comfortably
tracked leader, led after 5 out, ridden and blundered and headed 3 out, soon outpaced
Why The Big Paws, Irish Raptor and Trisons Star look the main protagonists in this handicap chase and the confident vote is given to Why The Big Paws. The selection won with plenty in hand when beating Ben Bitten last time out and although rising in the weights he has conditions to suit and with his yard continuing in good form he is taken to defy the handicaper. Irish Raptor rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when beating Peveril Pride but this looks more competitive and his overall profile suggests he has a little to find. Trisons Star is another that could go well on his best form but he often finds less than expected off the bridle and with this in mind he is taken on. Of the remainder, Miss Royello is often let down by her jumping while Bob's Buster is better over a shorter trip and for the winner we return to Why The Big Paws, who looks to have plenty in his favour.
The Merry Mason (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Not fluent and behind, struggling 9th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Twelve Paces (10-13) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft, 7 ran.
Trisons Star (IRE) 2-1fav (10-11) Chased winner, mistake 14th, effort between last 2, one pace under pressure, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Profowens (11-2) at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Apr.
Why The Big Paws 11-2 (11-9) Close up, led 6th, made rest, clear after 5 out, easily, won at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs beating Ben Britten (11-12) by a distance, 15 ran.
Irish Raptor (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway and led 16th, headed 4 out, ridden to lead after 3 out, driven out, won at Wincanton 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs beating Peveril Pride (9-11) by 11l, 8 ran.
Bob's Buster 20-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, rapid headway 8th to chase leaders, weakened 2 out, 7th of 12, 16l behind Hawk's Landing (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Miss Royello 7-1 (10-9) Prominent, led briefly after 14th, weakened 16th, 4th of 7, 19l behind Be The Tops (10-5) at Cartmel 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Jul.
