took keen hold, held up, hit 3rd, headway on inside when not clear run approaching 2 out, switched right before last, bumped and hampered soon after last, stayed on well run-in, went 3rd, never able to challenge
set steady pace, quickened before last, hit last, driven and stayed on run-in
chased winner until after 2nd, chased leading pair, every chance 2 out, ridden and unable to quicken before last, stayed on same pace and no impression run-in
held up in last pair in steadily run race, headway approaching 2 out, outpaced in 6th before last, ridden and no impression run-in
took keen hold, chased leaders, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, weakening when hit next, tailed off
went right 1st, took keen hold, headway to chase winner after 2nd, challenged 3 out, every chance next, ridden and unable to quicken before last, lost 2nd run-in, no impression, lost 3rd towards finish
took keen hold, not fluent, went left and bumped 1st, raced wide in touch, hit 4th, headway when mistake 2 out, weakened soon after
took keen hold, chased leading pair, driven before last, stayed on to 2nd run-in, kept on in closing stages, never quite able to challenge
This is normally won by a very smart novice and this year should prove no exception. Tominator, a useful staying handicapper on the Flat, wasn't foot-perfect on his hurdles bow at Bangor but won with any amount in hand and can only improve. Court Minstrel had useful form in bumpers and beat a decent field here on his hurdles bow while Duke Of Navan won by 10 lengths at Newcastle, though was no match for River Maigue in a bumper at Ayr in April. Nicky Henderson's charge should be worth following as he gains experience and the Irish have sent over a strong team with Magic Spear, Run With The Wind and Ted Dolly all recent winners at a fair level. The fact that DODGING BULLETS failed to win in his first season may turn out to be a blessing in disguise as it means he's still eligible for races like this. He took a while to master the race-fit Hi Note and get off the mark here last time but will improve hugely for that run and can put a marker down here.
Court Minstrel (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway on inside going strongly after 5th, close 3rd when not clear run after 2 out, challenged last, soon led, quickened away final 150 yards, won at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct beating The Romford Pele (11-0) by 4l, 12 ran.
Dodging Bullets 10-11fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, niggled along briefly 5th, went 2nd after 2 out, led last, ridden clear, won at Cheltenham 2m 4yo hdl (2) gs in Oct beating Hi Note (10-5) by 8l, 5 ran.
Magic Spear (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Waited with last of the 5, 4th from 5 out, plenty to do approaching straight, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Whatever Jacksays (11-10) at Listowel 2m 4f nh nov hdl hvy in Sep.
Run With The Wind (IRE) 5-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, took closer order from 3 out, led after 2 out, driven out and ran on well from before last, easily, won at Listowel 2m nh nov hdl hvy in Sep beating Darwins Theory (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Ted Dolly (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, close enough in 6th when mistake and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Special Tiara (11-10) at Ballinrobe 2m 1f beg chs sft in Sep, 14 ran.
Duke Of Navan (IRE) 11-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders, smooth headway and close up 3 out, led on bit next, clear last, eased flat, very easily, won at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct beating Herostatus (10-12) by 10l, 10 ran.
Tominator 1-2fav (10-12) Held up, not fluent 3rd, mistake 5th, challenged after 3 out, led 2 out, clear last, easily, won at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct beating Harris Garden (10-12) by 12l, 10 ran.
River Maigue (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, led entering final furlong, soon ridden, held on well towards finish, won at Ayr 2m NH flat (4) gd in Apr beating Master Malt (10-8) by 1l, 13 ran.
