held up, effort approaching 3 out, no impression
held up, headway to go prominent 8th, weakend next, pulled up before 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
prominent, driven along 4 out, one pace from 2 out
close up, effort approaching 3 out, one pace and no impression
with leaders until lost place 6th, never dangerous after
held up, headway to lead 6th, ran on strongly
in touch, outpaced halfway
in touch, headway to go prominent halfway, weakened to 4 out
with leaders until lost place 8th, pulled up before 3 out
always behind, taield off when pulled up before 7th
led to 6th, lost place next, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
Caesar's Palace is selected to beat Topanberry and Strong Resolve, with Longstone Lass worth a mention at least. The last named caused a shock when going in at odds of 25-1 at Sedgefield last month, and although having more to do here, she should at least tow them along for a while. Lucinda Russell holds the key to this contest though, as she is double-handed with Caesar's Palace and Strong Resolve. Caesar's Palace is race-fit and lost no caste in defeat when chasing home Philip Hobbs's Drumbeater at Haydock on his latest start. Only four lengths adrift at the finish, he can go close, especially as his conditional pilot can claim a handy 10lbs. Strong Resolve got round in the Grand National and will no doubt be aimed at Aintree again. Pulled up on his return at Carlisle, he lines up on a much better mark for his first attempt over hurdles since 2003, but may need another race or two. Gimme Shelter was last seen out in April but has bottom weight so is dangerous to rule out completely, but a bigger danger to the selection is likely to be Topanberry, who hails from last year's winning stable. Nicky Richards' mare hacked up at Uttoxeter in June and although having her fair share of weight, is one to keep on the right side, as she has scope for improvement. For the winner we return to Caesar's Palace.
Speed Kris (FR) 12-1 (11-11) Mid-division, pushed along 7, ridden 4 out, kept on one pace from 2 out, 4th of 12, 5l behind Penteli (9-12) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gf in Oct.
Topanberry (IRE) 5-2fav (10-12) Held up, headway 7th, led approaching 3 out, soon clear, eased flat, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (E) gf in Jun beating Shady Grey (11-5) by 8l, 8 ran.
Mystic Lord (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when p pulled up 3 out in race won by Powder Creek (11-9) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Apr, 16 ran.
General Duroc (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) In touch, lost place and outpaced 4 out, stayed on one pace after 2 out, 4th of 14, 23l behind Tobesure (11-4) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Oct.
Strong Resolve (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, lost place 10th, behind when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Ross Comm (10-13) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (C) hvy in Oct, 17 ran.
Caesar's Palace (GER) 20-1 (10-3) Led to 4th, stayed prominent, outpaced 9th, rallied 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Drumbeater (10-11) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Oct.
Longstone Lass 25-1 (10-13) Led 2nd, made rest, driven 2 out, ridden last, drifted left flat but stayed on, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Oct beating Canavan (11-1) by 2l, 11 ran.
Old Nosey (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Led, headed approaching 2 out, soon no extra, 6th of 12, 9l behind Penteli (9-12) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gf in Oct.
Mr Twins (ARG) 16-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened 2 out, 8th of 17, 40l behind Wild Is The Wind (11-10) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) hvy in Oct.
You're The Man (IRE) 10-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 16, 18l behind Lanzlo (11-10) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in May.
Cool Dessa Blues 33-1 (10-0) Led 2nd, headed after 3 out, weakened after next, 7th of 14, well behind King of Confusion (10-6) at Kelso 2m 6f cnd nov hdl (E) gs in Oct.
Gimme Shelter (IRE) 5-1 (10-5) Led to 8th, remained prominent, led again 3 out, headed last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Glenmoss Rosy (10-9) at Kelso 3m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Apr.
