held up in 3rd, went 2nd after 4 out until ridden after 2 out, hung left before every chance last, edged left and no extra flat
chased leader, pushed along and lost 2nd after 4 out, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
set moderate gallop, raced keenly, slipped on bend after 4th, hit 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, every chance when fell last
held up in 4th, headway to lead approaching 2 out, pressed last, ridden and stayed on well flat
With a clear round Burntoakboy looks capable of landing this on his return to chasing, with Lawyer des Ormeaux and danger and Kilrogan best of the other trio. The selection has been rated as high as 140 over hurdles and in that respect is much the best of these. He stayed 2m 5f over hurdles and handles most ground, although he would ideally prefer some cut, but he is more than likely to stay this far over fences, and if he can jump better than on his debut he can score. Lawyer des Ormeaux is a c&d chase winner that has conditions to suit and goes particularly well here. However, on the book he'd have a bit to find with the selection and also he has to put a poor run behind him from last time, so he is opposed. Kilrogan went well over c&d in a Ladies' Hunter Chase in May and has ground conditions to suit, but has to improve plenty to trouble the leading pair, and with the others appearing to be here for the experience Burntoakboy gets the vote.
Kilrogan (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Held up in rear, steady headway 10th, chased winner 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Secret Glen (10-2) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Sept.
Lawyer Des Ormeaux (FR) 20-1 (11-9) Prominent, led 11th to 14th, weakened after 3 out, 8th of 13, 39l behind Baodai (10-11) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd.
All Things Equal (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Took keen hold, chased leader from 2nd to 5th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Pigeon Island (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Sept, 17 ran.
Burntoakboy 6-4fav (10-8) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, some headway 9th, outpaced 5 out, never on terms, 4th of 7, 17l behind Bagan (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in May.
In Deep 50-1 (10-2) Mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden next, one pace, 4th of 11, 12l behind Boychuk (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gs in Oct '05.
