held up in last pair, closed 7th, not fluent 10th, challenged after 11th, every chance 2 out, stayed on same pace flat
held up in last pair, closed 9th, ridden in 3rd approaching 3 out, soon no impresison on front pair
led, hit 7th, soon headed, reminders and last after next, lost touch after 10th, tailed off
tracked leader, led after 7th, headed 9th, demoted to 4th when mistake 12th, weakened 3 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 7th, led 9th, not fluent 11th, hard pressed when hit 2 out, driven and stayed on well flat
Nonrunner
City Theatre didn't progress from a promising start over fences at Chepstow when well beaten at Folkestone and is probably best watched for now. But there are possibilities about Pearlysteps, second to the well-regarded Wymott on his chasing debut at Bangor before filling the same position behind Golan Way at Huntingdon. This trip is unknown territory, however, so the vote goes to ALDERTUNE. A proven stayer over hurdles, he has the size and scope to make a name for himself over the larger obstacles and the lack of a recent run is rarely a disadvantage for a runner from Ditcheat.
Alderley Rover (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) In rear, mistakes and jumped right, struggling from 6th, never dangerous, 6th of 14, 22l behind Regal Approach (10-11) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (4) gs in Nov.
Aldertune (IRE) 9-4fav (10-13) Towards rear, headway 4 out, chased leading pair next, left 2nd 3 out, every chance last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Bertie May (10-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Brimley 18-1 (10-12) Chased leader until blundered 6th, jumped big 9th, went 2nd 12th, no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 46l behind Robinson Collonges (11-7) at Hereford 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Nov.
City Theatre (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, not fluent 3rd, reminders 13th, chased leaders under pressure 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 8, 27l behind Triggerman (11-1) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Dec.
Pearlysteps 4-1 (11-1) Held up, hit 5th, closed 7th, went 2nd 10th, challenged winner 4 out, still every chance when edged right under pressure after last, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Golan Way (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Nov.
Bob Casey (IRE) 11-1 (10-11) Led, jumped right throughout, headed after 5th, mistake next, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 6, 23l behind The Rainbow Hunter (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
