led until 4th, weakened approacing 8th, tailed off
tracked leaders, went close up from 6th until blundered 8th, weakened after 3 out
tracked leaders on inside, lost place 5th, in touch 7th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, jumped left at times, ridden when not fluent 3 out, weakened before next
took keen hold, with leader, led 4th, not fluent 2 out, stayed on well
held up in last, headway from 7th, chased winner after next, ridden before 2 out, mistake last, no impression flat
held up in touch on outside, ridden and struggling after 6th, well beaten 8th, pulled up before 2 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
OBISTAR (NAP) would have caught Absolutely Bygones in another few strides over a longer trip at Exeter last time. The drop in distance is a slight worry but this is a very stiff track and Kieron Edgar's claim wipes out his 3lb weight rise so he looks the one to be on. Kapricorne's winning run came to an end at Kelso earlier this month and he now looks to be in the handicapper's grip but Devenish Island is interesting after a decent effort over a trip too short at Carlisle. Kyles Faith was in good form in lower grade races in the summer but hasn't raced since September while Snowball is still a maiden, though his latest second at Market Rasen suggests he isn't badly treated at present.
Kyles Faith (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked leader until after 1st, in touch, outpaced after 5 out, rallied flat, went 2nd close home, not able to reach winner, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind According To Sarah (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gf in Sep.
Obistar (FR) 6-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, headway into 2nd 4 out, ridden before next, every chance when not fluent last, kept on flat, just held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Absolutely Bygones (11-2) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Nov.
Kapricorne (FR) 11-4fav (11-9) Led, headed 2 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Prairie Lad (11-4) at Kelso 3m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft.
Devenish Island 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, rallied to chase winner when jumped left last, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Ebony Express (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Bouggietopieces 100-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced, 5th of 14, 48l behind Warrantor (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Eaton Rock (IRE) 9-2 (10-11) Held up, not fluent 3rd, headway on inside before 4th, ridden and struggling after 7th, tailed off, 5th of 12, well behind Seas Of Green (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Asuncion (FR) 5-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear on inner, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 9, 33l behind Theregoesthetruth (11-3) at Leicester 2m 4f (4) sft.
Malibu Rock 7-2 (10-6) Held up towards rear, weakened after 3 out, last of 7, well behind American Life (10-2) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Nov.
Snowball (IRE) 11-4 (10-10) In touch, headway 3 out, led briefly approaching next, ridden and kept on one pace, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Gilzean (11-5) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft.
