tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out and soon weakened
always towards rear, pulled up before 2 out
held up, ridden after 4 out, kept on one pace from 2 out
towards rear, ridden after 4 out, soon beaten
mid-division, smooth headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, soon led, headed and no extra flat
track leaders, smooth headway and every chance 3 out, driven to lead flat, all out
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, hit next and gradually weakened
behind, lost touch after 6, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon every chance until driven and one pace flat
tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
Laborec is the selection ahead of Cripsey Brook and Guns And Butter. The selection does have a little to prove but with Howard Johnson's team in such good form of late, he wouldn't have to find too much improvement to win this. Cripsey Brook was something of a late starter over hurdles. His opening bow wasn't a complete disgrace on balance. Guns And Butter is afforded due respect. He posted a fair debut over hurdles following a long time off the track. Mystified ran well in a Catterick race that was little better than plating grade. Well Disguised looks as if the step up in trip should be in his favour. Fair Hills Baba needs to rapidly build upon earlier promise in bumpers. Laborec is hardly bombproof at this level but has the edge of potential in this race.
Beau Largesse 4-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 10, 17l behind Tirol Livit (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f sll hdl (5) gd in Apr.
Cassius (IRE) 80-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up, always towards rear, 12th of 16, 43l behind Montana Slim (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Cripsey Brook 7-1 (10-7) Behind, jumped right 2nd, headway 3 out, kept on from next, no impression, 5th of 17, 17l behind Kingscourt Lad (10-7) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gf.
Fair Hills Baba (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up, hit 6th, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 5th of 14, 35l behind Auroras Encore (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Guns And Butter (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, beaten from next, 4th of 14, 10l behind All Noble (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Nov.
Laborec (IRE) 9-4fav (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 7th of 18, 15l behind Sir Monty (11-5) at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Mystified (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Led, ridden approaching last, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Singhalongtasveer (11-8) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Pendragon (USA) 66-1 (10-11) In touch, close up 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 5th of 6, well behind Cash Flow (10-1) at Perth 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Aug.
Sea Senor 16-1 (11-3) In touch, joined winner after 2nd, lost place after 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Original Fly (10-10) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov, 12 ran.
Still Solvent 100-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, well behind Seeking Justice (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
The Weaver (FR) 100-1 (10-5) Led, hit 6th, headed 8th, weakened from 4 out, 8th of 10, 35l behind King Daniel (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd.
Royal Citadel (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Mistake 1st, held up, outpaced approaching 5th, soon struggling, 5th of 11, 26l behind Seeking Justice (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
Well Disguised (IRE) 9-1 (9-13) Mid division, headway approaching 4 out, one pace, 4th of 13, 9l behind Trafalgar Man (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
