led until 2nd, prominent, reminder after 6th, ridden from after 8th, not fluent 12th, outpaced approaching 4 out, rallied to chase winner when not fluent 2 out, no impression last
tracked leaders, challenged 7th, led next, mistake 8th (water), mistake 14th, drawing clear when edged left before last, stayed on
tracked leader, led 2nd until 8th, not fluent 10th, mistake next, ridden after 14th, weakening when jumped left last
held up in touch in last, not fluent 6th, fell 10th
All four runners in this novice chase have something to offer. ELY BROWN is the only one without previous experience of the larger obstacles but could be the one with most scope. He won five times over hurdles but has always looked a chaser in the making and can get the better of his rivals with a clear round. Beeves looks to be facing a stiffish task under a penalty as he was disappointing when favourite at Kelso last time but Sixty Something just failed to beat Milborough at Uttoxeter earlier this month and did finish ahead of the selection over timber two runs ago. Ludlow second Cloudy Spirit has her mares' allowance again and can't be ruled out.
Beeves (IRE) 5-4fav (11-6) Led until 4th, tracked leader, slightly oupaced 12th, ridden next, rallying when blundered 2 out, plugged on same pace, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Coverholder (11-6) at Kelso 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs.
Ely Brown (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, mistake 2nd, hard driven 7th, weakened before 3 out, 15th of 17, 45l behind Gevrey Chambertin (11-7) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) sft in Nov.
Sixty Something (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Pressed leader, led 3rd, headed after 2 out, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 8, nk behind Milborough (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m nov chs (4) sft.
Cloudy Spirit 9-4 (10-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 5th, pushed along before 4 out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Princely Player (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
