mid-division, headway after 3 out, every chance next, kept on same pace last
prominent, ridden to challenge after 2 out, kept on well under pressure
always behind, weakening when mistake 2 out
in touch, not fluent 4 out, weakened next, behind when pulled up before 2 out
in rear, beaten 3 out
mid-division, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next
tracked leader, not fluent 4 out, weakened 2 out
in touch, effort 2 out, no impression, weakened flat
behind, slow 2nd and 3rd, detached next, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, led just after last, hard ridden, all out
mid-division, weakened 3 out
led, strongly challenged when mistake last, soon headed, no extra closing stages
Chepstow second BENNY'S BRIDGE didn’t get far at Ascot next time but that was in a much better race than this- a clear round could see Fergal O’Brien’s charge gain compensation. War Brigade found only a previous winner too good over a longer trip here on his hurdles bow and the drop in distance shouldn’t place as much emphasis on stamina. Imperial Knight’s bumper form was solid enough and he’ll be a threat to all if taking to hurdles while Champagne Mystery was a clear leader when forced off the track at Aintree, though was very novicey himself and may need more time. Plumpton third Johnny Rocco looks best of the rest ahead of Mistiroc.
Benny's Bridge (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) In touch when fell 2nd, at Ascot 2m (2) gd in Nov.
Champagne Mystery (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Jumped left at times, left in clear lead 1st, tried to jump rail dismantled by loose horses after 3rd, went right and went through another rail and ended up on wrong course, at Aintree 2m 1f (3) sft in Dec.
Clondaw Storm (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) In touch, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, dist behind I K Brunel (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f (5) sft in Nov.
Darsi's Jewel (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mid-division halfway, dropped towards rear before 4 out, no extra, tailed off, 14th of 16, dist behind Gaillimh Abu (11-4) at Roscommon 2m 4f mdn gd in Jul.
Eolian 100-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, tailed off from 3 out, last of 13, dist behind Rouge Vif (11-0) at Southwell 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Imperial Knight (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, hard driven over 1f out, weakening when headed towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Stoney Mountain (11-11) at Bangor 2m 1f (5) gs in Apr.
Johnny Rocco 33-1 (10-12) Chased winner, driven after 3 out, lost place before next, ridden and no chance with front pair between last 2, 3rd of 12, 17 1/2l behind Coole Well (10-12) at Plumpton 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Mistiroc 8-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden 5th, weakened next, tailed off, 4th of 8, dist behind Encore Champs (10-12) at Wetherby 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Sum Fun Now (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Towards rear, not fluent 1st, behind 7th, pulled up after 3 out, last of 10, dist behind Demon Fou (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f mdn (4) gf in Nov.
War Brigade (FR) 7-4 (10-12) Close up, headway 3 out, pressed winner next, ridden and every chance when flattened last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 3l behind General Custard (11-4) at Market Rasen 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.
Mrsgrey (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Ww in rr, last 3out, prog aftr 2out, so 3rd last, rallied wll to line, 2nd of 12, shd behind Doyen Queen (11-6) at The Pigeons 3m mdn gd in Oct.
Time Is Honey (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Ld/disp, sl adv 1/2way, jnd aft 2out, stil disp bef bypassed last, kow & asserted close home, won at Loughrea 3m mdn gd in Oct beating Meadowview (11-11) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
