took keen hold in rear, never dangerous
led until 7th, weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before last
chased leaders, went 2nd after 4th, every chance 2 out, soon outpaced, stayed on strongly after last, just failed
in touch, under pressure after 4th, mistake next, soon weakened
held up in rear, under pressure 4 out, chased leaders 2 out, never able to challenge
always prominent, led 7th, hard ridden when strongly challenged 2 out, weakened flat, just held on
in touch, headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, weakened before last
tracked leader, driven 7th, effort 2 out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
Stow would have a chance here on his best form and will appreciate the ground, though probably needs further. Rebecca Curtis also runs The Jugopolist with a 7lb claimer on board and Evan Williams is another trainer double-handed. Oscar Gogo might just need this but GRAN TORINO just failed to land a gamble at Chepstow nine days ago and, though 7lb higher here, is fancied to recoup losses as he might still be well handicapped on his form in Ireland. Kempton second Ski Sunday and course specialist Valley Lad also warrant a mention but Royal Riviera returns from a break and may still be in the handicapper's grip.
Gormanstown Cuckoo 20-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, headway approaching 8th, weakened 3 out, 10th of 13, well behind Golden Call (11-5) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Mar.
Oscar Gogo (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, pushed along before 5th, soon weakened, tailed off, 4th of 5, well behind The Chazer (10-9) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in May.
Ski Sunday 11-2 (11-12) Chased winner until 2 out, regained 2nd at last, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Loose Chips (11-12) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Nov.
Valley Lad (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 5th, challenged 3 out, led before next, headed last, stayed on, held by winner flat, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Le Beau Bai (11-12) at Ffos Las 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
Gran Torino (IRE) 5-1 (10-10) Mid-division, outpaced approaching 4 out, headway under pressure next, led narrowly 2 out, soon ridden, headed flat, kept on, just held, 2nd of 13, nk behind Fred The Shred (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
Stow 8-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders, every chance 3 out, 4th and no extra last, 8th of 17, 19l behind Fair Along (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov.
Royal Riviera 12-1 (10-11) Mid-division, jumped slolwy 4th, ridden approaching 10th, well beaten after 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Cygnet (10-1) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Aug.
Black Is Beautiful (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden before 3 out, headway before 2 out, one pace and no impression, 4th of 9, 17l behind Joseph Mercer (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov.
The Jugopolist (IRE) 13-8fav (10-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Kenai Peninsula (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
