raced keenly, tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 6th, mistake 12th, led narrowly after 3 out, mistake and headed last, soon ridden, no impression with winner flat
tracked leaders, not fluent 4 out, driven and effort on outside after next, led last, soon ridden, clear when edged right flat
led to 3rd, tracked leader, lost place 6th, reminders after 11th, struggling next, tailed off when pulled up 4 out
held up in touch, effort to chase leaders 3 out, one pace in 4th next, ridden and stayed on to take 3rd flat, no impression with front pair
tracked leader, led 3rd, headed after 3 out, ridden and beaten when lost 3rd flat
Lamb Or Cod won over track and trip in April and went on to land minor contests at Fakenham and Newton Abbot. But he was something to prove after finishing well beaten at the Devon course on his latest start. Up For An Oscar is also best watched after being pulled up in a handicap at Fontwell earlier this month but The Romford Pele finally got his head in front over fences in June and can make further progress over the coming months. He makes more appeal than Definite Ruby, who has shown her best form on much faster going. HIGHLAND RETREAT (NAP) is getting plenty of weight from her four rivals and made giant strides over hurdles last term, winning a Grade 2 over 3m at ascot in January. She wasn't beaten far in the Mares' Hurdle at the Festival here in March and could outclass these if jumping soundly.
Lamb Or Cod (IRE) 5-4 (11-12) Led and clear with winner, headed after 8th, not fluent 4 out, outpaced before 2 out, no chance in clear 2nd between last 2, 2nd of 4, 25l behind Ainsi Fideles (10-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Sep.
The Romford Pele (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear, not always fluent, hampered 1st, headway from 14th, blundered 16th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, led when left clear last, won at Uttoxeter 3m 2f lstd hcp chs (1) gd in Jun beating Carlito Brigante (11-3) by 14l, 17 ran.
Up For An Oscar (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) Prominent until lost place and dropped to last pair 6th, never going after, tailed off and pulled up before 11th, in a race won by The Nephew (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd, 6 ran.
Definite Ruby (IRE) 8-11fav (11-5) Raced mainly in 3rd, pushed along after 4 out, took closer order before next, challenged from 2 out, lead after last and kept on well run-in, won at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chase gf in Sep beating Draycott Place (11-9) by 4 1/2l, 4 ran.
Highland Retreat 14-1 (11-5) Pressed leader, lost place 2 out, one pace before last, no impression flat, 8th of 16, 8l behind Quevega (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gs in Mar.
