made all, soon clear, unchallenged
held up in 3rd, went 2nd after 2 out, no chance with winner
behind, never on terms
mid-division, headway after 2 out, 3rd when mistake last, soon no impression
always behind
mid-division, headway after last, nearest finish
towards rear, behind when mistake 2 out
took keen hold, held up, soon well behind, tailed off
pulled hard, always behind, jumped slowly 4th, tailed off when mistake last
chased winner until after 2 out, weakened last, soon eased
mistake 1st, always behind
Not many of these can realistically been given much of a chance with Osprey View and Wheelavit both having solid claims but preference is for Cottingham. The selection gained a deserved first success over hurdles when successful over course and distance last month and Richard Lee's gelding has every chance of following up here. Smart Tiger has run to a respectable level of form and has to be respected but may find the going too testing for him, while Wheelavit is likely to find this tougher than the race that he won at Newton Abbot. Cape Greko could be of interest on his debut over hurdles but lost his way on the level so may be best watched. Osprey View has looked useful winning his last two starts but the four-year-old may struggle under his penalties and preference in receipt of 5lbs is for Cottingham.
Osprey View (IRE) 5-4fav (11-3) Made all, hit 3 out, not fluent 2 out, clear last, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (4) sft beating Moon Star (11-9) by 11l, 10 ran.
Cottingham (IRE) 11-8fav (11-3) In touch, led approaching 2 out, readily, won at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Jun beating Aperitif (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 14 ran.
Smart Tiger (GER) 10-3 (11-9) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance from last, kept on, 2nd of 10, hd behind Thunder Child (10-5) at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
Wheelavit (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, led approaching 2 out, hit last, kept on well, ridden out, won at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Jun beating Hopeful Purchase (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 15 ran.
Cape Greko 8-1 (9-3) Chased leader, challenged 3f out, led briefly 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 10l behind Fort Churchill (9-7) at Goodwood 1m 2f hcap (4) gd in Jun (Flat).
Dawesville 25-1 (10-12) Held up, pecked badly 1st, pushed along 8th, soon weakened, last of 11, well behind Nounou (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Sept.
Soviet Threat (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Never better than mid-division, 11th of 14, 16l behind Government (8-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-50 (6) fbs in May (Flat).
Kasarkan (FR) (8-11) Struggling throughout, 9th of 14, 25l behind Alpha Lady (8-8) at Angers 1m 3f 3yo stk sft in Sept (Flat).
