prominent, hit 6th, disputing 3rd when fell 8th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, badly hampered 8th, soon pulled up
held up, headway 7th, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed when not fluent last, one pace
led to 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, led again approaching last, stayed on
in touch, effort after 3 out, soon weakened
soon with winner, led 8th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
in touch, mistake 8th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
Toms Gone Grey can recoup recent losses, with Taksina and Douceur Des Songes two main threats. Toms Gone Grey makes his debut over fences here, and this could be the making of the five-year-old who failed to score over timber. Despite returning from a six-month break, Robert Alner's charge was sent off favourite at Huntingdon 19 days ago, but in the end lack of a run told as he finished third behind Scotch Corner. The ground was faster than he would have liked as well, but he will relish today's conditions and is sure to have been well schooled over fences. He makes most appeal in a race that should take little winning, with Taksina the main stumbling block. Bob Buckler's inmate has already had six outings over the bigger obstacles but is still a maiden. However he has got round in four subsequent efforts since falling here in March and in receipt of plenty of weight, can go well. Douceur Des Songes was tailed off when pulled up at Uttoxeter last time, while Noble Colours made mistakes at Ludlow but if putting in a trouble-free round, is capable of making the frame. It is not a hot contest by any stretch of the imagination though, and Toms Gone Grey has major claims on his chase debut.
