tracked leading pair, lost place 15th, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
led, headed 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
held up, headway 4 out, effort 2 out, soon outpaced, ridden and stayed on under pressure to go 2nd flat, no impression
held up, blundered 10th (water), outpaced 4 out, weakened next, behind when pulled up before last
in rear, lost touch 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
with leader, driven between last 2, stayed on to lead before last, ridden clear flat
in touch, joined leaders 15th, led 3 out, ridden and headed before last, no extra and lost 2nd flat
A penalty makes life tough for Harry Flashman so the benefit of the doubt goes to chasing debutante RIVER SHANAKILL ahead of the long-absent Double Default. The dual point-to-point winner scored on her hurdling bow last season but then didn't go on to do much else. However that was always likely to be the case for this chasing type and now encountering fences for the first time she is expected to run a big race. If she fails to fire then it may be worth siding with Harry Flashman. The course winner has to give at least 6lb to all of his rivals however he has already shown plenty of ability and he has gone well fresh before. Double Default has been off the track for 649 days; whilst Tony McCoy looks an interesting jockey booking, it would be some training performance to get him back in the winners' enclosure today despite the fact he holds the best form in the line-up. Heraldry has an entry on Thursday, Leac An Scail is capable of better with another year on his back and the benefit of a pipe-opener at Aintree, whilst The Hollinwell is bred for this game and despite the form of the yard is considered a threat. River Shanakill is given the vote.
Harry Flashman 9-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 12th, challenging 3 out, beaten before last, one pace, 4th of 8, 10l behind Nelson's Spice (11-11) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jun.
Double Default (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Led, 1 length up and ridden from last until headed flat, weakened close home, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Brave Rebellion (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) hvy in Jan '08.
Leac An Scail (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, beaten next, 5th of 11, 28l behind Spring Breeze (10-5) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Mr Barnacle (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Towards rear, mistakes, weakened approaching 12th, 6th of 10, 12l behind Doc Row (10-5) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov '08.
The Green Hat (IRE) 250-1 (10-8) Behind, never jumped well, tailed off halfway, pulled up 4 out, in a race won by Knockara Beau (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 4f chs (2) sft, 7 ran.
The Hollinwell 8-1 (11-1) Behind, struggling in, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out, in a race won by Risk Runner (10-13) at Newcastle 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Mar, 14 ran.
River Shanakill (IRE) 11-4fav (11-5) Led after 1st, headed approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next, 4th of 8, 37l behind Tastes Like More (11-5) at Wetherby 3m 1f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Heraldry (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up, hampered 6th, headway before next, weakened after 9th, virtually pulled up flat, tailed off, 13th of 15, well behind Snake Charmer (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Mar.
