tracked leader, ridden after 4 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, hit 10th, ridden to chase leader approaching 3 out, challenging when blundered last, soon led, ridden out
held up, blundered and unseated rider 5th
left in lead after 1st, ridden approaching 3 out, hampered and headed last, kept on
held up, fell 6th
A poor contest gets proceedings underway but something has to win and the principals look to be Northern Deal, Were Not Stoppin and Windfola and the confident vote goes to Northern Deal. The selection is a winner between the flags, is from a shrewd yard and he will not have to be anything special to make a winning debut over fences and the fact that he is also proven in the conditions is a bonus. Were Not Stoppin rates the main danger he was a fair second last time out behind Farlington and that form has since been franked but he is far from consistent so can not be backed with any confidence. Windfola was third behind Ramblees Holly in a hurdle race last time she gets the mares allowance and could go well but she may come on for this her first try over fences. Of the remainder Romanby Dream has had plenty of chances and is very one paced so for the winner we return to the unexposed Northern Deal
