held up in mid-division, headway and chased leader after 2nd, led 4th, headed 3 out, eased when beaten 2 out
held up in touch, led 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace after
held up towards rear, headway on bit approaching 2 out, soon led, driven clear from last
led to approaching 4th, weakened 3 out
prominent, ridden 3 out, stayed on same pace
held up in mid-division, ridden from 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, ridden 5th, soon tailed off
chased leader, led briefly approaching 4th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, ridden 5th, kept on one pace from 2 out
prominent, ridden behind leader 3 out, stayed on from 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden and some headway after 3 out, one pace from 2 out
mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
Nonrunner
All Star was most impressive at Taunton last week and looks well capable of following up here, with Gregorian, Oracle Des Mottes and Berengario likely to fight out the minors. The selection defied some in and out form for the Nicky Henderson yard by travelling and jumping well for Mick Fitzgerald, and winning as he liked at Taunton, and unless the slightly slower ground is his undoing, he has set a standard that the others should struggle to match. One who will handle conditions is Oracle Des Mottes. The Paul Nicholls inmate won a maiden hurdle at Chepstow 13 months ago and after a decent effort in handicap company just after, was not seen out until pulling up at Exeter on Monday. He remains best watched at present. Berengario paid the price for a novice success here in November by facing too stiff a task in handicap company last time. He has ability, but a 1lb drop will most likely not be enough. Meanwhile Gregorian steps up from showing form in sellers, and could run into a place, but will have plenty on to cope with All Star, who is our choice here.
