chased leader until 5th, 2nd again before 4 out, challenged and slight bump 2 out, switched right last, driven to challenge run-in, stayed on gamely to lead last 100 yards
mid-division, headway on outside before 3 out, weakened tamely before next
took keen hold in mid-division, headway chasing leaders 4 out, ridden and not quicken between last 2, switched right before last, 4th and one pace run-in
always in rear, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before next
chased leaders, went 2nd 5th until before 4 out, chased leaders, pushed along before 2 out, weakened between last 2
in touch on inside, pushed along and outpaced and towards rear after 6th, behind and struggling when mistake 4 out, tailed off
raced wide, held up in last pair, headway on inside travelling well tracking leaders when switched left approaching 2 out, awkward and hampered 2 out, challenged and flattened last, 3rd and one pace run-in
chased leaders, switched left approaching 2 out, challenged and bumped 2 out, led soon after, edged left last, ridden run-in, headed final 100 yards
led, dived at 3 out, headed soon after 2 out, weakened before the last
never fluent, took keen hold, held up towards rear, awkward 3rd and next, jumped left 6th, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before next
A very competitive opener featuring a host of unexposed novices who have already shown signs of ability. Punchestown bumper winner OAKLEY HALL made a promising start for Jonjo O’Neill in a similar race here last month, keeping on in the closing stages despite being prominent throughout. He’ll strip fitter today so gets the nod, though there are plenty of dangers. The longer trip is sure to suit Newbury third Robin Waters and Nicky Henderson’s pair - Darius Des Bois and Settie Hill - are other likely improvers. Good Man Pat wouldn’t be winning out of turn but he’s only rated a pound higher than Huntingdon second Clondaw Native. Puppet Warrior is another to consider and Stage Summit was only caught on the run-in last time at Hereford. Whiskey In The Jar only found one too good when an odds-on favourite at Bangor but steps up in trip for this.
Clondaw Native (IRE) 7-4 (10-12) Tracked winner, ridden to close 2 out, every chance last, always just held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Silver Kayf (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (4) gs in Nov.
Darius Des Bois (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up and behind, headway on outside approaching 4 out, pushed along and struggling after next, 5th and no chance before 2 out, 5th of 9, 19 1/4l behind Count Meribel (11-6) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) gs in Nov.
Good Man Pat (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, every chance 2 out, led before last soon hung left, strongly challenged run in, headed close home, kept on, 2nd of 9, nk behind Muthabir (11-9) at Kempton 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Moving In Style (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, never near leaders, weakened 2 out, 8th of 15, dist behind Western Ryder (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) hvy in Nov.
Oakley Hall (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Pressed leader, reminder after 6th, led 3 out, pushed along before next, ridden and headed approaching last, last, stayed on same pace run-in, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 15, 2 1/4l behind Kildisart (11-0) at Ascot 2m 3f mdn (3) gs in Nov.
Puppet Warrior 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, driven after 3 out, effort to challenge next, every chance last, soon ridden, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Battle Of Ideas (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Robin Waters (FR) 13-2 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up in last pair, closer approaching 4th, chased leaders 6th, 4th going well enough before 3 out, ridden and outpaced between last 2, plugged on into modest 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 6 1/2l behind Santini (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) sft in Dec.
Settie Hill (USA) 15-2 (11-0) Hampered 1st, held up towards rear, closer in mid-division 4th, headway chasing leaders 4 out, weakened next, 8th of 15, 10 1/4l behind Kildisart (11-0) at Ascot 2m 3f mdn (3) gs in Nov.
Stage Summit (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Pressed leader, led before 3 out, 2 lengths clear when went left last, ridden and headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Court Liability (11-4) at Hereford 2m 4f (4) gf in Nov.
Whiskey In The Jar (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, tracked winner 3 out, challenged from 2 out, not fluent last, no impression run in, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Don't Ask (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
Duke Of Kilcorral (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Rear division, head way before 4 out, ridden before next, soon weakened, 8th of 15, dist behind Chooseyourweapon (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Dec.
