tracked leaders, effort 4 out, driven 2 out, one pace approaching last, no chance with leaders flat
disputed lead until driven and lost place approaching 4 out, soon weakened and behind, tailed off
took keen hold, disputed lead, tended to jump right, hit 8th, went on approaching 4 out, driven next, ridden and ran on flat
tracked leaders, driven 3 out, effort next, not fluent last, ridden and no impression with front pair flat
held up in rear, headway and effort 3 out, went 2nd last, ridden and ran on flat, not reach winner
No Likey has taken well to fences and had too much toe for Groomed when landing a cosy success on just his second chasing start at Uttoxeter. He already looks a better chaser than hurdler and seems certain to be in the shake-up. Similar comments apply to SEDGEMOOR EXPRESS though. He looked a good recruit to fences when scoring on chase debut at Uttoxeter, following up in convincing fashion when returned to hurdling at Ffos Las. Things didn't go so smoothly at Uttoxeter the last day back over fences and, in the circumstances, he did well to get within four lengths of the winner. He should have more to offer over fences and the booking of the champion jockey indicates connections mean business. Lucky Landing continues to run well enough and completes the shortlist. He's far more experienced than the aforementioned pair and also handles the ground well but there's a slight concern about his ideal trip at present.
Lucky Landing (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Held up, headway 8th, pushed along before 3 out, every chance last, unable to quicken flat, no extra close home, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Skint (10-9) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gf.
Uncle Tom Cobley (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Chased leaders until jumped slowly 1st and dropped to rear, never going after, tailed off and struggling before 7th, last of 7, well behind Teenage Dream (10-7) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf.
Sedgemoor Express (IRE) 11-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden before last, kept on same pace from last, 4th of 7, 4l behind River Purple (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd.
No Likey (IRE) 9-4fav (11-3) Held up towards rear, not fluent 8th, good headway before 3 out, led last, ran on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Jun beating Groomed (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Violets Boy (IRE) 8-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, badly hampered 4th, soon struggling well behind, 6th of 7, well behind Workbench (10-9) at Taunton 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.