tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, onepace from 2 out
held up, went 2nd after 2 out, ridden to lead flat (no time taken)
unseated rider 1st
led, headed after 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders, kept on same pace from 2 out
tracked leaders, led after 2 out, headed flat, no extra
held up in rear, weakened from 11th, tailed, off pulled up before 3 out
Carrietau has been running consistently well, but seems to be in the grip of the handicapper, so preference is for LAHIB THE FIFTH, while Toulouse Express completes the shortlist. Nicky Richards has stuck by Lahib The Fifth, who began his career with a hat-trick of wins in a bumper and over hurdles, but who hasn't been able to progress from his early promise. In recent outings though he's been showing more of that ability, albeit over hurdles rather than these bigger obstacles, which he's tackling for the first time in three years. The step up in trip will suit, and he was only narrowly beaten by a favourite at Hexham a couple of weeks ago. Today could be his day. Carrietau has yet to win over fences, and is on a losing run stretching back more than a year. He could do with some respite from the handicapper. Toulouse Express is showing glimpses once more of the ability that's seen him win three of 38 chases. He's back to his last winning mark; he's Robert Johnson's only runner on the card and has the advantage of a seven pound claimer on board, with Paul Callaghan coming here for his only ride of the day. It's a competitive little finale, with our support going to Lahib The Fifth.
Carrietau 13-2 (11-12) In touch, outpaced 4 out, ridden 2 out, rallied flat, not reached leaders, 4th of 12, 2l behind Silver Steel (11-9) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
Lahib The Fifth (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Held up mid-division, chased leaders approaching 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on from last, took 2nd towards finish, just held, 2nd of 15, hd behind Mickmacmagoole (11-5) at Hexham 2m sell hdl (5) gf.
Farne Island 18-1 (11-7) Held up, ridden 2 out, never on terms, 7th of 12, 19l behind Silver Steel (11-9) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
Toulouse Express (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Led to 8th, chased leaders, ridden last, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd flat, rallied towards finish, just held, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Silver Steel (11-9) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
Waterski 100-1 (10-11) Led to 3rd, chased front pair, outpaced from 11th, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Mhilu (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f noc chs (3) gf in Sep.
Persian Prince (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Led to 2nd, remained in touch, led 4th to 9th, led again 12th, ridden and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, 4th and no extra when blundered and unseated rider last, in a race won by Uptown Lad (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-85 (5) gf in Jun, 12 ran.
Stainley (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, in rear and reminder 7th, weakened 10th, soon tailed off, last of 6, well behind Mhilu (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f noc chs (3) gf in Sep.
