in touch until ridden and weakened 3 out
soon tailed off, well behind and pulled up before 3 out
prominent, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, outpaced 2 out, driven and rallied flat
in touch, led 4 out, soon ridden, headed and no extra flat
in touch, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, hit 2 out, driven and led flat
led until headed 6th, stayed prominent, ridden and challenged leaders 4 out, kept on from last
prominent, led 6th, headed 4 out, ridden and soon weakened
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
close up, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
DIVEX has obvious claims in a modest contest such as this; Balakar and Stormy Beech can pose big problems, however, and stand out as the main dangers form the others. Stormy Beech has been running to a consistent, if unspectacular, level of form and has a feasible chance of at least making the frame. However, he has yet to win at this sort of trip and, as most of his successes have been on more undulating courses, he needs everything to go his way. Balakar has enjoyed a good strike-rate when racing on these shores and, as Jimmy Llambe always has to merit respect when he sends his horses to Musselburgh, the Irish raider is well worth noting in the betting. He is no world-beater, but does try his heart out and can help to make this a good test for the selection. Nonetheless, Divex posted a most encouraging effort in a similar race here last week and, as the drop in trip is expected to suit him ideally, Mickey Hammond's charge is fancied as the best option in the opener.
Hapthor 12-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, led 4th, headed 7th, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 9, well behind Political Paddy (11-3) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Stormy Beech 5-1 (11-5) Chased leader, lost place 7th, soon beaten, 5th of 11, 21l behind Frith (10-2) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Snowy (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) In touch, lost place 4th, lost touch 10th, tailed off when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Bauhaus (11-4) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jul, 15 ran.
Balakar (IRE) 3-1fav (10-8) Always towards rear, 11th of 15, 45l behind Mister Lucky (11-10) at Downpatrick 2m 7f hcp chs 0-95 gd in Sept.
Divex (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) Towards rear, tracked leaders 9th, ridden and led 3 out until headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Kalmo Bay (11-8) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Yankee Holiday (IRE) 9-1 (10-0) Tracked leader until ridden and weakened 3 out, 6th of 7, 24l behind Beggars Cap (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Nov.
Ocean Dancer 50-1 (11-0) Held up, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Frith (10-2) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd, 11 ran.
Mr Twins (ARG) 40-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along approaching 7th, soon weakened, 12th of 16, well behind Albany (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 6f cnd clm hdl (5) gd in Nov.
King's Envoy (USA) 33-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, 11th of 16, 44l behind Little Shilling (11-13) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Nov.
