in touch, tracked leader 11th, left in lead 3 out, soon headed, led again approaching last, stayed on well
mid-division, mistake 12th, weakened after 3 out
led until 2nd, remained prominent, ridden and weakened after 3 out
led after 2nd, fell 3 out
held up, never dangerous
held up, slow 15th, weakened after 3 out
behind, mistake 7th, fell 3 out
in touch, headway from 14th, left in 2nd 3 out, soon led, headed approaching last, no extra flat
prominent, effort 3 out, ridden and jumped right 2nd last, soon weakened
towards rear, not jumped well, pulled up before 2 out
Nonrunner
Noble Baron is the pick over Barton May, River Marshall and Full On. Noble Baron will appreciate being back at this level after finding Grumpy Stumpy too good at Newbury last time. He was sent off as favourite there on the strength of an earlier success over Brave Spirit at Exeter, a course he always does well at. His jumping was not up to scratch at the Berkshire track but he is sure to have been put through his paces since. Barton May has posted two good efforts in handicap company on her last two outings and is interesting now that she takes on novices again. She fell on her chase debut at Fontwell in November but has since made amends at Folkestone, and she also ran well off a higher mark at Uttoxeter when finding only Advance East too good. She should give you a run for your money and makes a bit more appeal than River Marshall who was a beaten favourite at Doncaster due to making too many mistakes. Full On was well held by General Gossip at Leicester and will be staying on again at the finish, but Noble Baron is going the right way and should benefit from this less exacting track.
