made all, clear when not fluent last, easily
in touch, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders and keen, reminders 3rd, lost place next, tailed off when pulled up after 6th
chased leaders, chased winner when hit 3 out, not fluent next, one pace
chased leader, hit 3 out, weakened next, hung right flat and eased, lost 4th place towards finish
in rear, ridden approaching 3 out, took moderate 4th towards finish, never dangerous
Nonrunner
With ground now looking very testing the complexion of this contest has been changed and while Grizebeck will be in warm order we oppose him with MERIGO, Manadam also rates as a chance. The selection may have a lot to find on Grizebeck based on the official ratings in this sphere but his chase mark is on par with his rival. He is something of a course specialist here with his record reading two wins from two runs over course and distance and the gelding has proven form on the ground taking a chase on bottomless conditions here a year ago. Grizebeck is starting to mature nicely and wasn't disgraced in a much better race than this last time and is the highest rated here. The form from is penultimate effort reads quite strongly but the doubt is the going which he runs on for the first time. Manadam's only previous attempt at this long slog of a trip was a little weak with Lucinda Russell's charge not quite getting home. That said stamina since has been proved in testing conditions over two miles four furlongs so he should be in the mix. Of Course is rated the same as our selection and will act on the ground so has to be considered as a strong contender but Merigo should land this.
Grizebeck (IRE) 40-1 (11-10) Led and clear to 4th, headed 3 out, soon outpaced, lost 2nd next, no impression, 3rd of 10, 35l behind Cape Tribulation (11-10) at Doncaster 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Manadam (FR) 16-1 (10-5) Mid-division, lost place 7th, no danger after, 7th of 11, 22l behind Harmony Brig (11-0) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan.
Firelast (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Always behind, lost touch after 5f, last of 12, well behind Hillview Boy (10-13) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) gf in Dec.
Merigo (FR) 5-1 (11-2) Mid-division on outside, hit 3rd, headway 6th, mistake 14th (water), lost place 18th, well beaten 3 out, 7th of 13, 23l behind Rambling Minster (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Jan.
Of Course (FR) 50-1 (10-8) Close up on outside, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next, 4th of 16, well behind Glenary (9-11) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Nov.
Easter Vic 8-1 (11-7) In tch til wknd aft 14; pulled up in race won by Sacred Mountain (12-0) at Ovrevoll 3m ptp gd in Mar '07, 19 ran.
Carrick Star (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders approaching next, soon weakened, 9th of 14, well behind What A Buzz (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Classic Act 25-1 (11-3) In touch to 6th, soon beaten, 7th of 11, well behind Prince De Beauchene (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Zhukov (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Never a factor, 12th of 14, well behind Itsallaracket (11-3) at Downpatrick 2m 2f nhf gd in Nov.
