not fluent in last, well behind from 12th, tailed off and pulled up after 14th
chased leaders, went 2nd after 14th, every chance last, not quicken towards finish
held up, behind from 14th, tailed off
not fluent in mid-divsion, eased and pulled up after 14th
led, headed after 14th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
promient, joined leader 9th until approaching 12th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
mid-division, headway 10th, led going well after 14th, ridden out
in rear, blundered 1st, some headway when mistake 12th, weakened 14th
jumped right and mistakes, chased leaders until 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
chased leader until 8th, remained prominent, not fluent 12th, weakened 4 out
held up, mistake 10th, headway on inside 14th, went 3rd, 4 out, no impression on front 2 when blundered 2 out
The ex-Irish Cross The Highman has won a couple of hurdle races since joining Jonjo O'Neill, including on a fast surface, and looks worth backing on his chase debut with Classic Rock and Donie Dooley rated the main dangers. The selection has yet to prove his effectiveness over the larger obstacles but he is sure to have been well schooled and, being by Un Desperado, is likely to jump a fence. Meehan has more to do than when landing a novices' handicap here last time, while Wincanton winner John Foley disappointed last time and may now be best watched. Forto has a long absence to overcome so the Ian Williams-trained gelding may be best watched, although a market move for him would be of interest. Recent course and distance winner Classic Rock faces a stiffer task today and of more interest may be Donie Dooley, who should appreciate today's longer trip. Cross The Highman could be different class to his rivals though and he gets the vote.
Classic Rock 3-1fav (10-9) Held up rear, headway 10th, ridden to lead approaching 4 out, not fluent 3 out, kept on, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May beating Kilbeggan Blade (11-8) by 1l, 11 ran.
Cross The Highman (IRE) 15-2 (11-1) Held up, headway after 4 out, hit next, hung left and mistake 2 out, soon ridden, no extra, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Aldiruos (10-9) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
Donie Dooley (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Schinken Otto (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf, 12 ran.
Forto (GER) 10-3fav (11-0) Held up, headway and jumped right 11th, led last, headed near finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Pete The Painter (10-7) at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (E) gf in Jun '04.
John Foley (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Mid-division, weakened 7th, behind when pulled up at the 8th in race won by Silver Dagger (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf, 10 ran.
Meehan (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Headway 5th, jumped right 6th, led 10th, clear when mistake 2 out, eased near finish, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Apr beating Lahinch Lad (10-11) by 5l, 10 ran.
Mick Divine (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) In rear, hit 10th, headway after 3 out, poor 4th when blundered and fell 4 out in race won by Sungates (10-7) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf, 15 ran.
Potts of Magic 14-1 (10-0) Prominent, jumped right 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, 4 lengths 4th when fell 3 out in race won by Red Echo (10-4) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf, 11 ran.
