tracking leaders when fell 6th
tracked leaders, pecked 12th, disputed 2nd 14th, led after 19th, stayed on well from 2 out, ridden out
prominent, led after 8th until 12th, struggling when blundered and unseated rider 17th
led until after 8th, prominent, led 12th until after 19th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
prominent until 9th, chased leaders, ridden after 19th, weakened after next
held up behind leaders, headway 13th, disputing 2nd when rider lost irons after 16th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
Withdrawn
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
SEYMAR LAD, Gaora Lane and Apollo Creed form our short-list and we'll stick with Emma Lavelle's charge. The likes of The Sawyer and Stolen Moments aren't too far behind but the three mentioned have nothing to prove in terms of racefitness or form. Apollo Creed has been kept busy throughout the summer although he did enjoy a short break between the end of August and his latest run at Stratford over two miles six. The step back up to three miles on a stiff track will suit him well and his yard continues in good form. Gaora Lane kept on well under a positive ride at Cheltenham and shaped as though he should enjoy more days in the sun this winter but marginal preference on this occasion is for Seymar Lad. The Lavelle team have started the season strongly and this one attracted his share of market support ahead of his winning return at Chepstow. He has a career high mark to overcome but he won well enough over his first attempt at this trip to believe that there should be more in the locker and the acquiring of McCoy's services is no bad thing. He has had big gaps between his recent races so the relatively quick return to the track could be an issue and does reduce our confidence in the selection, Seymar Lad. (Ian Ogg)
Stolen Moments (FR) 11-4fav (10-7) Made all, clear approaching 2 out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (4) gd in Apr beating Pass It On (11-5) by 10l, 9 ran.
Bowleaze (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 5 out, weakened 3 out, 9th of 11, 31l behind Seymar Lad (9-11) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct.
The Sawyer (BEL) 14-1 (10-4) Close up, led soon 6th, joined 4 out, headed and dropped to 3rd from before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 20, 7l behind Emma Jane (9-12) at Punchestown 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 gd in Apr.
Gaora Lane (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) With leader, led 3rd, hit 8th, headed 10th, led again 12th, headed after 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Mister Apple's (10-0) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Seymar Lad (IRE) 4-1fav (9-11) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4th, joined 7th, hit 4 out, kept on well, won at Chepstow 3m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct beating I Hear Thunder (9-11) by 5l, 11 ran.
Alfadora 8-1 (11-7) Mid-division, badly hampered 8th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Bally Conn (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Oct, 21 ran.
Mokum (FR) 33-1 (11-1) Always behind, pushed along and reminders after 9th, soon weakened and pulled up at the 11th in race won by See You There (10-13) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft, 12 ran.
Apollo Creed (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, ridden approaching last, stayed on same pace flat, went 2nd near finish, no impression on winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Bill's Echo (11-6) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Oct.
Sweet Diversion (IRE) 12-1 (9-12) Always rear, tailed off and pulled up 3 out in race won by Hot Weld (10-0) at Sandown 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gf in Apr '07, 10 ran.
Rakalackey 13-2 (11-10) Keen, in touch, mistake 3 out, ridden and one pace, 4th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Alphabetical (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in Sept.
