took keen hold, prominent, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, tailed off
held up towards rear, ridden when switched right approaching 3 out, plugged on same pace, went 3rd last
mistake 3rd, always behind, tailed off from 5th
in touch, headway approaching 5th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, mistake and headed last, no extra
mid-division, ridden after 5th, went 4th after 3 out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden to challenge 2 out, led last, ridden out
held up behind, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out
keen, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened after 3 out
led, ridden after 4th, headed next, weakened approaching 3 out
Nonrunner
Critical Stage is aiming to win this race for a third successive year, and is selected to do so, with the main dangers likely to be Goldan Jess and Jacaranda. Tony McCoy's on board this locally trained gelding, whose past successes in this race have been in similar conditions. He's a regular on the all-weather too, and usually involved at the business end. Last time out over hurdles here he was runner up in a decent handicap and that was on soft ground. He's certainly a versatile type, and he'll have plenty of support. Goldan Jess, another one who also runs on the flat, is likely to be in the vanguard. Runner up in his last two National Hunt races he's Tony Carroll';s only runner on the card. He has to give weight away to most here, but Aiden Coleman can claim 3 pounds. He's adaptable to most conditions, and a worthy contender. Jacaranda doesn't go hurdling often; indeed this is his first such outing this year and only the second time at this distance. Phillip Hobbs and Richard Hughes do well when teaming up here, and could land the spoils, but we'll side with Critical Stage.
Looks The Business (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, hit 4th, mistake 5th, ridden and weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Axinit (10-11) at Hereford 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gs in Feb, 14 ran.
Poliglotti (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon beaten, behind when carried out in race won by Mango Catcher (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in May, 11 ran.
Critical Stage (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (10-12) Held up, headway after 3 out, every chance next, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind In Media Res (10-8) at N Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in May.
Participation 8-1 (11-1) Behind, headway approaching 3 out, led between last 2, ridden when blundered and unseated rider at the last in race won by Spivitus (10-11) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Dec, 17 ran.
Beechwood 11-1 (9-9) Reminders after 3rd, held up, ridden and lost touch quickly after 3 out, last of 9, well behind Sporazene (11-5) at N Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Jun.
Jacaranda (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression, 7th of 12, 8l behind Kristiansand (10-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Sept.
Thistle 14-1 (11-8) Towards rear, ridden 7th, weakened 4 out, 4th of 7, well behind Qrackers (10-7) at N Abbot 2m beg chs (5) gf in Jul.
Nicki Boy (GER) 9-2jt-fav (10-12) Chased leaders, led 3 out, headed approaching last, one pace, 2nd of 16, 8l behind Pipers Legend (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (5) gf in Jul.
Silver Island 33-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 8th of 12, well behind Cornish Flame (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 3f sll hdl (5) gd in Jun.
Southern Tide (USA) 12-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, weakened when mistake 2 out, 12th of 17, well behind McQueen (11-3) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp hdl (5) gf in Jul.
Our Time (IRE) 11-1 (10-7) Reluctant to race, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Bedizen (11-0) at Stratford 2m sll hdl (5) gd in Jul, 14 ran.
Goldan Jess (IRE) 5-2co-fav (10-5) In touch, close up 3 out, led 2 out, pressed and headed flat, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Mutual Friend (11-3) at Worcester 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Jul.
