held up, effort 4 out, weakened next
held up, went 3rd 4th, not fluent 7th, mistake 5 out, led 3 out, kept on, headed towards finish
tracked leader, pushed along and dropped rear 8th, weakened 10th, pulled up before 5 out
chased leaders, went 2nd 8th, ridden to lead 4 out, hit and headed next, rallied last, led towards finish
led, ridden and headed 4 out, weakened 2 out
Noland, a gallant if slightly anti-climactic, third in the Arkle is taken to oblige at the main expense of Starzaan. The selection was viewed by many as the banker of the Cheltenham meeting but whilst he ran a fair race in third place, it wasn't quite up to expectations. He looks sure to be suited by this smaller field, and this strapping individual can get back to winning ways on ground that suits. He gives 3lbs to Starzaan who could prove to be his main danger. He drops in trip which could be a good move having failed to stay three miles at Cheltenham and this flat-bred individual would be a major player if this becomes tactical. Endless Power is very consistent but has a bit to find on official ratings although don't rule out further improvement at a track he likes, whilst Gods Token is a capable front-runner but tends to make too many jumping errors. Frankie Figg will relish the give underfoot as he was ran off his feet last time, and his form looks solid enough, however it is Noland who receives the vote.
Endless Power (IRE) 25-1 (10-3) Made all, clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Aintree 2m 4f amt nov hcp chs (2) gd beating Brave Rebellion (11-3) by 25l, 15 ran.
Noland 7-4fav (11-7) Held up in touch, ridden after 2 out, soon no impression, 3rd of 14, 15l behind Tidal Bay (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Gods Token 40-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, stumbled after 9th, ridden 3 out, weakening when mistake last, 5th of 20, 4 1/2l behind Finger Onthe Pulse (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hcp chs (1) gs in Mar.
Starzaan (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) In touch, blundered 11th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching next, 6th of 8, 31l behind Big Buck's (11-3) at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd.
Frankie Figg (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Led, headed before 3 out, beaten after 2 out, 3rd of 4, 24l behind Brave Rebellion (11-8) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) gf in Mar.
