chased leaders, driven 9th, weakened 3 out
raced in rear, in touch, headway to chase leaders 3 out, soon hard ridden, never on terms
pulled hard in touch, smooth headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, driven to lead after last, ran on well
chased leaders, not fluent 4th, pushed along 8th, lost place approaching 3 out
in rear when lost action and pulled up after 6th
tracked leaders, hard driven after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
raced in rear but in touch, chased leaders before 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, soon under pressure and one pace
led, hard ridden after 3 out, strongly challenged next, headed flat, no extra
Alpine Breeze is an interesting contender for a shrewd yard that's amongst the winners and official figures suggest that she has the beating of North Island and Stormyislandahead on these terms but she does have her stamina to prove for this trip. Round Tom was described as a big backward individual by his trainer and it's possible that he may need more time and it may be worth taking a chance with BUBBLY BRUCE. He can pose a major threat on debut for a new yard having been far from disgraced in Grade 1 bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown for his previous connections. Definite Dawn is entitled to come on for his first run over hurdles at Towcester whilst Irish point winner Youralltalk progressed well through bumpers and should be suited by this test on his hurdling bow.
North Island (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Tracked clear leader, close up 4 out, lost 2nd next, soon outpaced, left well beaten 3rd last, weakened and lost place flat, 4th of 6, 19l behind Kristoffersen (10-13) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Stormyisland Ahead 7-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 9th, chased winner approaching 3 out, no impression 2 out, no extra when lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 16, 16l behind Tullyraine (10-12) at Worcester 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Alpine Breeze (IRE) 2-1fav (10-10) Took keen hold, always prominent, not fluent 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, led 2 out, went left last, hung left flat, ridden out, won at Southwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Jun beating Rith Bob (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran.
Call Me Bill (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Prominent, ridden 7th, hung left and weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 4, 42l behind Silver Token (10-7) at Ffos Las 2m 4f NH mdn hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Dash of Salt 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, mistake 6th, soon tailed off, 11th of 16, 46l behind Ackertac (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Definite Dawn (IRE) 28-1 (10-5) In touch, took keen hold, no impression approaching last, 5th of 15, 8l behind Rif (10-12) at Towcester 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Round Tom (FR) 5-4 (11-7) Ap; hrd rdn 3 out; ev ch last; kpt on, 2nd of 15, nk behind Shalimar Fromentro (10-7) at Kingston St Mary 3m ptp gs in Apr.
Youralltalk (IRE) 5-4fav (10-7) Made all, ridden and edged left 2f out, edged right entering final furlong, stayed on, won at Ffos Las 2m mdn NH flat (5) gf in Oct beating Charles (10-9) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Bubbly Bruce (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, 5th before straight, soon no impression, kept on same pace under pressure, 5th of 17, 10l behind Hidden Universe (11-4) at Punchestown 2m N H flat G1 (1) gd in Apr.
