tracked leading pair until 6th, 3rd again 10th, 2nd 4 out, pushed along before next, no impression next
chased winner until 9th, chased leading pair, 2nd again before 10th, pushed along and lost 2nd 4 out, weakened before next
held up 4th, went 3rd 6th until pushed along before 10th, blundered 12th, weakened next, tailed off
made all, pushed along going out on final circuit, pushed along and clear before 3 out, in no danger when hit last, eased run-in
Nonrunner
Bredon Hill Lad won three times over hurdles and was having just his second start over fences when beating an odds-on chance in a Uttoxeter handicap nine days ago, for which he's penalised. Halo Moon has had his last two starts over 2m4f on this track and looked in need of further but the heavy conditions will suit and he should get into the frame. Line D'aois completed a Hexham hat-trick in bumpers and over hurdles two seasons ago but hasn't taken to jumping fences though he keeps attracting strong support. Roparta Avenue has failed to reach a place in a dozen starts over jumps but CHEAT THE CHEATER, though yet to score over fences, showed on his reappearance at Warwick that a race of this nature was within his scope and he can make his light weight count.
Bredon Hill Lad 9-2 (11-12) Held up in rear, closed after 7th, went 2nd 4 out, not fluent 3 out, challenged last, led flat, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Nov beating Minellaforlunch (11-9) by 2l, 6 ran.
Line D'aois (IRE) 8-11fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, reminder after 14th, soon pushed along, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, last of 4, dist behind Sgt Bull Berry (10-5) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp (5) gs in Nov.
Roparta Avenue 6-1 (10-11) In touch, pushed along in 5th and struggling after 13th, went poor 4th near finish, never on terms, 4th of 7, 27 1/2l behind Ya Hafed (10-9) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (5) gd in May.
Cheat The Cheater (IRE) 4-1 (10-0) Led, ridden and headed narrowly after 3 out, every chance approaching last, kept on but always held flat, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Arthamint (11-6) at Warwick 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Halo Moon 7-4fav (11-7) Held up in rear, hit 4th, headway tracking leaders 9th, travelling well in 3rd before 3 out, one pace from 2 out, plugged on into 2nd final 75 yards, 2nd of 7, 3 3/4l behind Kings River (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
