led, headed approaching 2nd, lost place from 9th
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, stayed on from last
prominent, led approaching 2nd, soon clear until 9th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed after last, edged right flat, held towards finish
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened after next
held up, headway approaching 7th, led after last, edged right and kept on under pressure flat
held up, 6 lengths down when blundered badly 3 out, no impression
prominent, blundered 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
The consistent Brown Teddy gets the vote here over Noblefir, Kombinacja, and Vandas Choice. Tony Dobbin rode Full Irish to victory for Len Lungo in this race 12 months ago, and although the latter is represented here with Noblefir, Dobbin sides with Brown Teddy for the first time since partnering him to victory on his chase debut at Kelso in October. Since then Richard Ford's charge has been ridden by a variety of different jockeys without success, but ran well enough when second to the odds-on Saintsaire at Bangor last time to suggest that his turn is near again. Bruce Gibson seems to get on well with Noblefir who has already won over fences at Musselburgh. His mark is unaffected as he was put over hurdles last time, and he should go well back over the bigger obstacles. Kombinacja has finished second over hurdles twice here in the past but is having her first outing since last June so is best watched, while Vandas Choice has to give plenty of weight away after taking on decent opposition this term. That should sway things in favour of Brown Teddy as long as his jumping holds up.
Vandas Choice (IRE) 20-1 Chased leaders, pushed along 8th, outpaced next, stayed on from 4 out, no impression, 5th of 6, 18l behind Locksmith at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Apr.
Gone Too Far 8-1 Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 21l behind Polyphon at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Nov.
Noblefir (IRE) 5-1 Held up, always behind, 10th of 14, 31l behind Mr Bigglesworth at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gd.
Moscow Dancer (IRE) 7-1 Tracked leader, effort and every chance after 2 out, weakened flat, last of 6, 25l behind Tribal Dispute at Kelso 2m 1f nov chs (D) sft in Apr.
Kombinacja (POL) 4-1 Led, ridden and under pressure 2 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Gargoyle Girl at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gf in Jun.
Brown Teddy 10-3 Led until blundered 1st, dropped to rear, effort 3 out, ridden after next, every chance flat, not quicken, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Saintsaire at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (C) gd in Mar.
Nowator (POL) 15-2 Led to 5th, chased leaders, mistake 8th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 4th of 7, 25l behind Garde Bien at Doncaster 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (C) gd in Nov.
Little Flora 20-1 In touch, headway 8th, led 4 out, clear 2 out, ran on strongly, won at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Apr beating Xaipete by 12l, 11 ran.
