tracked leader, led 7th, made rest, ridden when pressed flat, held on
led, jumped right, headed 7th, lost place after 5 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
held up in rear, outpaced 5 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
tracked leaders, outpaced 5 out, ridden to chase leading pair before next, soon hung right, one pace when blundered 2 out, never on terms, weakened last
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 5 out, ridden before 3 out, rallied to press winner flat, held towards finish
soon towards rear, outpaced 5 out, went remote 4th before next, no chance with leaders, tailed off
Stephen Hero got off the mark over fences over course and distance 10 days ago and has plenty of scope for further improvement. But Dan Skelton's novice may find it tough to give 12lb to NO LIKEY, who looked an unlucky loser here earlier in the month. The latter has been raised 3lb for that effort but still looks fairly treated. Valco De Touzaine alternates between hurdles and fences but is struggling to get his head in front and could do with some help from the handicapper. Anquetta isn't the force of old but Speedy Bruere appears to be improving and makes more appeal than Upsanddowns.
Valco De Touzaine (FR) 3-1fav (11-9) Held up, headway after 4 out, ridden from 3 out, 3rd last, kept on same pace, lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Flying Light (10-13) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gf.
Anquetta (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) With leader, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 8, well behind Another Flutter (11-3) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-150 (2) gd in May.
Upsanddowns (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, tracked leaders on outside, lost place from 6th, well beaten 4 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Germany Calling (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chase (4) gd in May.
Stephen Hero (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Chased leader, led 3rd, reminders after 5 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on well, won at Worcester 2m 4f beg chase (4) gf beating Mr Burgees (11-0) by 9l, 7 ran.
No Likey (IRE) 10-3fav (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden after 9th, led after 4 out, bumped and headed flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Wings Of Smoke (11-12) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf.
Speedy Bruere (FR) 10-1 (11-3) Mid-division in touch, outpaced 3 out (usual 4 out), chased leading pair 2 out (usual 3 out), went 2nd at last, ridden and kept on flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Ballybogey (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
