with leader, led 7th to 3 out, still every chance last, stayed on same pace flat
held up towards rear, headway 5th, weakened after 7th
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on one pace from 2 out
held up in last, blundered 6th, headway when forced slightly wide approaching 3 out, led 2 out, ridden out
held up, never near leaders
in touch, ridden approaching 7th weakened after 3 out
slowly away, reminders and soon prominent, weakened 3 out
led to 7th, weakened 3 out
raced keenly, prominent, mistake 6th and reminders, led 3 out to 2 out, still every chance last, stayed on same pace flat
held up, not clear run approaching 3 out, mistake 2 out, stayed on approaching last, never nearer
took keen hold in touch, weakened approaching 2 out
Withdrawn
Nelson's Spice was good value for his first success over hurdles when landing a handicap at Huntingdon last month and has solid claims on a faster surface that should suit today despite a 6lb rise but preference is for Imtihan, with Dad's Elect rated the pick of the remainder. The selection is trained by Sue Smith who has not had the best of times of late but her runners are going better now so there could be more to come from this eight-year-old who looks worth chancing despite the burden of top weight. Prince of Persia has been given time to recover from his fall over fences at Stratford when last seen but is not certain to appreciate the return to hurdles, while Roaringwater was well held behind a rejuvenated Mylo at Fontwell last time and may be a shade high in the weights. Rabbit has disappointed of late and of more interest may be the consistent Dad's Elect. With Sue Smith's horses beginning to come back to form though it may be worth chancing Imtihan.
Imtihan (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon no impression, 2nd of 13, 10l behind Hi Humpfree (11-9) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in May.
Prince of Persia 6-4fav (11-3) Held up, mistake 2nd, 10 lengths 3rd when fell at the 8th in race won by Maldoun (11-3) at Stratford 2m 5f beg chs (4) gs in Mar, 7 ran.
Nelson's Spice (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway 6th, led after 3 out, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May beating That Man Fox (11-6) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Rabbit 16-1 (10-13) In rear, ridden along approaching 6th, never near leaders, 5th of 10, 15l behind Ouh Jay (10-10) at Hereford 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gf.
Roaringwater (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Prominent, chased winner 7th, led 3 out, ridden 2 out, headed soon after, kept on one pace, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Mylo (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May.
Fordingbridge (USA) 12-1 (11-4) Towards rear, mistake 4th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Mylo (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May, 12 ran.
Good Time Willie (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Chased leaders to 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 15, well behind Oscar Jo (10-5) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in May.
Dad's Elect (GER) 13-8fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, headway to lead before 3 out, ridden headed between last 2, every chance last, no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Wet Lips (10-11) at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (D) gf in Jun '05.
