led 2nd, ridden and headed after 4 out, held when hit 3 out
chased leaders, went 2nd 10th, not fluent 13th, led after 4 out, drew clear from next, easily
jumped left throughout, led until 2nd, chased leader until 10th, ridden after 13th, weakened 15th, pulled up before 17th
always detached in rear
held up towards rear, weakened after 15th, pulled up before 17th
in touch until 13th, soon behind, pulled up before 16th
never travelling, always well detached, pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, went 3rd 16th, soon ridden, weakened after 4 out
mid-division, mistake 2nd, dropped rear 6th, soon ridden along, headway 15th, went 3rd 4 out, no chance with leading pair
A competitive contest of its type in which we'll take a chance with Notanotherdonkey in preference to I'm Supreme. The latter would appear to be the Hobbs' first string in this contest and will be fancied to make it three wins in four starts despite having to carry a penalty. Soft ground was to blame for his most recent defeat and it would be no surprise if the handicapper were to raise him by more than the 7lb penalty that he carries but he isn't bombproof. The selection has to overcome a couple of disappointing runs but he has been given a break by his yard which bodes well as he has run some of his best races when fresh. He's a pretty consistent sort at the right level and he should be in the mix if over his recent problems. Oakfield Legend has been running really well of late and merits a place on the short-list with neither the veteran Lord Of Illusion nor Classic Clover dismissed too quickly either but we're happy to take a chance on Notanotherdonkey at potentially rewarding odds.
Oakfield Legend 5-1fav (11-4) Led and soon clear, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace approaching last, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Kew Jumper (10-13) at Ascot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd.
Even More (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Led until 3rd, chased winner, hit 7th, reminders, led 10th until 14th, ridden after 17th, weakened approaching 4 out, 5th of 10, 17l behind Amazing Valour (10-0) at Exeter 3m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd.
Lord of Illusion (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Held up, mistake 2nd, behind from 16th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Amicelli (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gs in Mar, 23 ran.
I'm Supreme (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Mid-division, mistake 14th, ridden 16th, led and mistake 3 out, driven out, won at Wincanton 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd beating Highland Chief (11-9) by 10l, 12 ran.
Nesotho (FR) 14-1 (10-11) Mid-division until weakened 3 out, 8th of 12, well behind Sharp Dresser (10-1) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs.
Notanotherdonkey (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, weakened after 12th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Himalayan Trail (11-1) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Notabotheronme (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Always towards rear, 7th of 16, 23l behind Island Flyer (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Mar.
Classic Clover 2-1fav (11-7) Chased leader, ridden 13th, mistake 14th, one pace, 4th of 12, 13l behind I'm Supreme (11-12) at Wincanton 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Wizard of Edge 7-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway after 10th, weakened after 4 out, 4th of 12, 33l behind Down The Stretch (11-10) at N Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
