led, hung right 8f out, headed over 5f out, weakened over 4f out
mid-division, headway over 8f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, broke leg, pulled up 2f out
towards rear, headway over 7f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
in touch, out paced over 3f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leader to over 8f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 8f out, led over 5f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
towards rear, headway over 5f out, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on final furlong
unruly start, chased leaders, ridden, every chance over 1f out, not quicken towards finish
behind, stumbled 9f out, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 7f out, soon weakened, behind when hampered, unseated rider 2f out
always behind
Somedo Somedont gets the vote in the finale, with Mam Ratagan, Ballycross and For All Mankind all likely dangers. With so many newcomers from top yards in attendance, it would be prudent to monitor the betting market in the run up to this bumper, but one thing is certain from that point of view, and that is that Somedo Semedont is sure to be well supported. The Nicholls stable have a great record in these events, and this six-year old ex-pointer will know a bit more than most so gets the nod. Mind you, Nicky Henderson is no slouch in this department either, so it would be no surprise if Mam Ratagan were to be ready first time. Likewise Ballycross and For All Mankind, both of whose stables have also had bumper winners this term, while just to add to the conundrum, Henry Daly, just like his mentor Tim Forster, likes to have winners on this course. So, the advice is, study the market, and if it speaks kindly in favour of Somedo Somedont, the hint should be taken.
All Fun And Games (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Always behind, 12th of 14, well behind Victor Daly (11-4) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec.
Ballycross (IRE) Zaffaran gelding out of an unraced mare.
Flemens River (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Prominent, led over 5f out until 4f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 14, 13l behind Leading Authority (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (6) gs.
For All Mankind Zaffaran gelding out of winning chaser Gilston Lass.
Hoober 33-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 11th of 14, well behind Victor Daly (11-4) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec.
Hopkins (IRE) Topanoora gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler/chaser Billyvoddan.
Mam Ratagan Mtoto gelding out of 1m4f winner Nika Nesgoda.
Nougat de L'Isle (FR) Kadalko gelding, full brother to winning hurdler Krack de L'Isle.
Somedo Somedont 7-2 (11-7) 3rd of 15, 3 1/2l behind Cookies Bank (12-0) at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd in May.
Supreme Copper (IRE) 22-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 5f out, ridden 4f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 14, 13l behind Leading Authority (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (6) gs.
Worth A Glance Thowra gelding, half-brother to several jumps winners including useful chaser Sail By The Stars.
Marys Moment 40-1 (10-6) Held up, prominent after 3f, lost place halfway, last when hung left, carried wide and hit rail 5f out, tailed off, last of 13, well behind Calusa Charlie (11-4) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Mar.