led, pushed along before 5 out, ridden before 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last
in rear, weakened before 3 out
tracked leaders on outer, went 2nd before 5th, led 2 out, kept on, driven out
in touch in 4th, weakened 4 out, tailed off
held up in touch, went 3rd 3 out, went 2nd before last, kept on towards finish
with leader, ridden after 3 out and outpaced, kept on same pace from 2 out
Alpha Victor has a shout on his return given Harry Challoner's claim negates most of a 6lb rise for winning at Haydock last season. Devotion To Duty has a recent run under his belt and may figure but TALKIN SENCE gets the vote. The latter finished third at Carlisle on his reappearance and this return to a longer trip will suit the previous course winner. Bishops Heir has the past form to get involved but Micro Mission could prove a bigger threat off her current mark.
Alpha Victor (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) In rear, jumped slow 1st and 2nd, soon detached, refused and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Ruben Cotter (11-0) at Doncaster 3m 2f nov chs (4) gd in Feb, 6 ran.
Devotion To Duty (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Tracked winner, blundered 4 out, outpaced from 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Lie Forrit (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Oct.
Talkin Sence (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, every chance 3 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Big Casino (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Oct.
Micro Mission (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Took keen hold tracking leader, not fluent and lost 2nd 4th, went 2nd again 6th, weakened before 3 out, plugged on to modest 4th flat, 4th of 7, 7l behind Upbeat Cobbler (10-10) at Uttoxeter 3m mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft.
Bishops Heir 15-8 (11-7) Led until 1st, mostly chased winner after until 4 out, outpaced next, weakened final 150 yards, last of 4, 10l behind Inverlochy Lad (11-7) at Kelso 3m 1f nov chs (4) gd in Apr '12.
Karinga Dandy (IRE) 7-2fav (11-2) Tracked leader, not fluent 4th, lost 2nd after 7th, outpaced before 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 8, 15l behind Josies Orders (10-13) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Oct.
What A Steel (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, reminder after 6th, struggling 9th, stayed on from 2 out, not able to get on terms, 4th of 12, 9l behind Emily's Flyer (11-0) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Sep.