led until overjumped and unseated rider 9th
tracked leader, left in lead 9th, kept on from 2 out, ridden out
held up, headway 9th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out
held up in touch, went 2nd approaching 3 out, soon ridden, kept on but held from 2 out
held up in touch, left 2nd 9th until approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
held up, reminders after 6th, plugged on from 2 out, went 3rd last, never dangerous
chased leaders, struggling 8th, soon behind, pulled up before 2 out
Highway Oak may be worth a chance in a competitive race in which Soleil Fix has obvious claims. The Nick Gifford trained gelding has a penalty to contend with following his win over course and distance but the second has franked the form with a big run in the Perth Gold Cup. Of more of a concern is his jumping as David Dunsdon did really well to keep the partnership intact on a couple of occasions last time and he has to be worth taking on at a short price whilst he takes such liberties at his obstacles. Professor Hegarty merits respect with Peter Bowen's horses in good nick whilst Alphabetical ran one of his better races last time and is on a fair mark, albeit one that has proved beyond him in the past. Mixsterthetrixster is no back number whilst Hermano Cordobes usually attracts support and has to be on the short-list but may not be that well handicapped. And so we move on to the selection who qualifies for a mark via three runs in Hunter Chases, two of which came back in 2006. He has joined the Tizzard yard since finishing a 2 length second to Sesame Rambler over two and a half miles here. He has every chance of reversing the form at the revised weights and will be better suited by this longer trip. His latest run between the flags was disappointing but there may be some mileage in siding with Highland Oak at a price against a favourite who still has something to learn about jumping.
Soleil Fix (FR) 9-2 (11-9) Led, blundered badly 10th, quickened after 3 out, ridden 2 out, blundered and headed last, rallied on inside flat, led close home, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in May beating Megaton (11-13) by a nk, 14 ran.
Alphabetical (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leader, led 6th, headed flat, one pace, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Tickateal (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Mixsterthetrixster (USA) 8-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 3rd, led 10th to 11th, led approaching 4 out, clear 3 out, blundered last, weakened flat and headed near finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Casalani (10-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f clm chs (3) sft in Apr.
Hermano Cordobes (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Led until 3rd, tracked winner, mistake 9th, ridden after 14th, kept on same pace from 4 out, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Radnor Lad (11-4) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Gaelic Flight (IRE) 40-1 (10-4) Led, jumped left 5th, headed 4 out, weakened 3 out, 5th of 11, 21l behind Kilrogan (10-13) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Sesame Rambler (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Prominent until bend when unseated rider at the 7th in race won by Soleil Fix (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in May, 14 ran.
Highway Oak 2-1fav (12-0) Led to 12; t.o, 8th of 11, 48l behind Harbridge (12-0) at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Professor Hegarty (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, 4 lengths 4th, driven when fell 3 out in race won by Russian Sky (10-0) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May, 10 ran.
