held up in rear, steady headway after 13th, went 2nd next, bumped 3 out, led last, soon clear
in touch, went 2nd after 7th, led 13th, challenged and bumped 3 out, headed last, not quicken flat
slight mistake 13th, ridden next, one pace from 4 out
held up, steady headway from 4 out, ran on flat, not trouble first two
led to 4th, chased leader to 7th, soon ridden, behind from 14th
always prominent, headway 10th, every chance 14th, ridden and not quicken flat
chased leaders until mistake 7th, soon ridden and beaten
chased leader, mistake 2nd, led 5th, headed 12th, ridden next, weakened from 14th
held up towards rear, ridden and headway after 13th, one pace from 3 out (wore cheek pieces)
In a competitive looking handicap chase, Swansea Bay is taken to make it a five-timer. In tremendous form this season, Peter Bowen's gelding may still be improving and receiving weight from all his rivals, he will be hard to beat, as he loves both trip and ground. Paul Nicholls is double-handed in the race and his best hope looks to be with General Claremont. Being by Strong Gale, the fast ground should suit the nine-year-old, who was a winner at Worcester in August, before a vain bid for the Kerry National at Listowel recently. Provided he is over his travelling exertions then he can be the one to give the selection most to do. Others to consider are Philip Hobbs-trained Village King, who reappears here six months after taking a three miles and two furlongs handicap chase at Cheltenham, and should put up a good display, and Flaxley Wood, who goes on any ground and despite being kept to around two-and-a-half miles recently, has form over further in the past.
