mid-division, lost place 9th, behind and pulled up before 10th
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened from 11th
tracked leader, led after 8th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, kept on to lead again last, all out
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace
mid-division, chased leaders halfway, ridden and led approaching 3 out, kept on, headed last, no extra flat
led and pulled early, headed after 8th, stayed in touch until ridden and beaten from 3 out
towards rear, mid-division halfway, ridden from 11th, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace
towards rear, headway to challenge from 3 out, soon ridden, kept on until weakened from last
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon one pace until rallied flat, just failed
towards rear, driven from halfway, soon beaten
behind, headway and every chance 11th, ridden approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, gradually weakened
tracked leader, hit 9th, ridden approaching 3 out, no extra
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
mid-division, ridden and weakened from 11th
always towards rear
tracked leaders, hit 7th, blundered 9th, soon weakened
This looks tricky and the very tentative vote goes to Magnificent Seven. Although the Howard Johnson Stable is not in tremendous form, the gelding would have a fine chance based on his third to Noir Et Vert back in November, and after one average attempt over fences he returns to hurdling today in the hope of getting his head in front and gaining some much needed confidence. Tickateal is just a pound higher than his last winning mark but would prefer the ground with less give, whilst Bafana Boy could just be using this race as a pipe-opener before embarking on a chasing season. Star Fever deserves a degree of respect representing an in-form stable but doesn't look anything out of the ordinary, whilst Compton Eclaire tackles the trip for the first time so stamina must be taken on trust. Named At Dinner won a seller three runs ago but that was a poor contest, and he has struggled since so is passed over. Ultimately then, in a very open race, Magnificent Seven gets the nod.
Nero West (FR) 50-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, soon weakened, beaten when pulled up 3 out in race won by Kempski (11-0) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy, 11 ran.
Magnificent Seven (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (11-7) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced when hit 5 out, soon behind, 6th of 11, 33l behind Chevalier Errant (10-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Star Fever (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up, headway after 7th, ridden to chase leaders from 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Seafield Bogie (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Tickateal 12-1 (10-9) Towards rear, ridden 3 out, headway under pressure next, kept on, 4th of 17, 10l behind Joan's Girl (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
The Weaver (FR) 40-1 (10-8) Tracked leader, lost place 7th, weakened 3 out, 16th of 17, 46l behind Joan's Girl (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Or de Grugy (FR) 100-1 (10-12) In touch, outpaced after 5th, rallied 4 out, never dangerous, 6th of 17, 28l behind Ellerslie George (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Nov.
Compton Eclaire (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Held up, driven and headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on, 4th of 16, 5l behind Andrea Gale (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Named At Dinner 10-1 (10-3) Always behind, 8th of 13, 38l behind The Last Viking (11-4) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Nov.
