with leader, led 4th, quicken 12th, pecked 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra flat
chased leaders, reminders 11th, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, lost place 14th, soon behind, tailed off
tracked leaders, lost place 14th, behind when pulled up before 3 out
held up in touch, hit 2nd, blundered and lost place 7th, hit 12th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, beaten when refused last
held up in touch, headway 15th, ridden 3 out, kept on
mid-division, headway 14th, 2nd 4 out, led approaching last, ridden and kept on well
mistakes, held up, reminders 11th, headway on outside 14th, weakened after 4 out
led to 4th, tracked leader, blundered 13th, soon lost place, behind when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
held up, headway 14th, effort when blundered 4 out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd approaching last
It's Definite represents a stable in good form, and whilst he has a bit to prove after his average return at Ludlow, this isn't the strongest of events and so he gets the vote ahead of Count Fosco, Profowens and Why The Big Paws. Peter Bowen has a 40% strike rate at the course, and as he doesn't send many here that could prove significant in itself. Richard Johnson is one to count on in a finish and that could be essential over this long trip. Count Fosco isn't the smartest of jumpers, and when push comes to shove, he could make vital mistakes over a trip that stretches his stamina to the limit. It would be a class performance is Profowens were to take this off his big weight, however he is one that stays all day and so he could well be involved in the finish. Why The Big Paws absolutely hacked up three starts ago at Carlisle, and will not mind any easing in the going, however he has struggled with his revised mark since then and can be passed over, despite his trainers profitable record at the course. For the winner then, we return to Peter Bowen's It's Definite.
Profowens (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) In touch when fell at the 5th in race won by Chabrimal Minster (11-5) at Kelso 3m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs, 10 ran.
Snowy (IRE) 40-1 (10-3) Held up, outpaced 11th, soon beaten, 11th of 16, well behind Twelve Paces (10-5) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Oct.
Why The Big Paws 13-2 (10-9) Close up, led 8th, headed 12th, soon lost pace, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by King Killone (11-7) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs, 9 ran.
Imperial Dream (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) In touch, chased winner 3 out until after last, weakened flat, 5th of 10, 37l behind Silver Jack (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs.
Count Fosco 9-4fav (11-8) Prominent, chased leader 11th, 2nd and every chance when fell 3 out in race won by Before The Mast (10-10) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd, 7 ran.
It's Definite (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (11-2) Led, headed 3rd, losing place when hampered 14th, 4th of 5, 13l behind Shardam (11-7) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf.
Rival Bidder 20-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, ridden 9th, rallied next, one pace and not fluent from 2 out, 4th of 19, 14l behind Negus de Beaumont (11-10) at Newcastle 3m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd.
Gunner Royal 6-4 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 4 out; hrd drvn app last; stayed on to ld cl home, won at Heslaker 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Purple Jean (11-7) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Ad Murum (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) Blundered badly, nearly unseated rider 8th, always towards rear, 5th of 10, 39l behind Mr Splodge (11-5) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Quibble 25-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, 6th of 13, 13l behind Kercabellec (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
