soon chasing leaders, led 11th to next, chased leader, led briefly 3 out, chased winner after, held before last
with leaders, jumped left 5th, jumped badly left and pulled up next
behind, headway to track leaders 11th, soon ridden and lost place, well behind when pulled up before 14th
with leaders, led after 4th to 12th, chased leaders after, weakened after 3 out
in touch, headway to track leader 13th, led soon after 3 out, in command 2 out, stayed on well
led until 4th, close up until mistake and lost place 10th, soon struggling, finished tired, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden and struggling when mistake 14th, tailed off
soon lost prominent position, mistaken and driven 9th, struggling when pulled up after 11th
Nonrunner
KINGSTON-BANKER is a course and distance winner and despite his advancing age he is taken to win again at the main expense of the frustrating Galaxia, Willow Hall and Alderbrook Girl. Pulled up on his return to the track in October, the selection then improved markedly on that when second behind Peur Etre Sivola at Warwick. Whilst that form has received a few knocks, this experienced yet not over-raced veteran is fancied to return to winning ways despite the fact that his wins under rules have all come in the spring. Galaxia was a winner back at Uttoxeter in the summer but his runs since have all been disappointing and it may be that he has become wise to the tongue-tie and cheek-pieces combo. Himba makes his chasing debut in a weak race and any market support would be interesting, whilst Willow Hall seemed to improve for fences when last seen at Plumpton and should not be overlooked too readily. Alderbrook Girl, Bynack Mhor and Alfabet Souk all have bits of form that could see them hit the frame, however for the winner we will return to Kingston-Banker.
Orion Star (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Held up mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, soon weakened, blundered 3 out, 5th of 9, 25l behind Apollo Creed (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Galaxia (IRE) 15-2 (11-8) Held up when fell at the 2nd in race won by Ngong Hills (11-8) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (5) frm in Oct, 15 ran.
Himba 13-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 5th, headed 9th, soon struggling, 3rd of 10, 26l behind Thursday's Knight (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs.
Kingston-Banker 15-2 (9-12) Chased leader, led 7th, headed 14th, chased winner from 3 out, one pace, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Peut Etre Sivola (11-9) at Warwick 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs.
Spanchil Hill 25-1 (11-7) Ran in snatches, lost place 10th, hit 13th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Jim Bobs Girl (10-13) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs (5) gs in May, 12 ran.
Bynack Mhor (IRE) 7-2 (10-8) Tracked leader, led 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, narrowly headed when fell at the last in race won by Dillay Brook (11-9) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs, 10 ran.
Alderbrook Girl (IRE) 15-2 (9-11) Raced wide, led until approaching 5th, lost place 8th, progress to chase winner 11th until approaching 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied approaching last, no extra towards, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Jacarado (10-8) at Towcester 2.
Alfabet Souk 11-2 (9-9) In touch, held from 3 out, 3rd of 9, 17l behind Willy The Slip (11-12) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy.
Willow Hall 8-1 (9-11) Tracked leader, led 3rd, hit 13th and next, headed 2 out, no extra last, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind El Batal (11-7) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in May.
