tracked leaders, took keen hold, chased winner 8th, ridden and went left 2 out, one pace flat
made virtually all, ridden after 2 out, held on
reluctant to race, tracked leaders 2nd, mistake 8th, 4th when mistake 4 out, well held from next
held up in touch, closed from 8th, outpaced 3 out, rallied approaching last, went 2nd flat, not able to reach winner
led until 1st, tracked winner until jumped slowly 8th, last, hanging left and losing touch when hit 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off
Tarkari was very disappointing on his first start over fences, finishing last of three behind Al Qeddaaf at Cartmel. He's 6lb better off here but had earlier finished a long way adrift of RIO GAEL over hurdles in a competitive handicap at Haydock and it's Peter Bowen's likeable gelding that gets the vote here. He was a little keen on his chasing debut at Fakenham but still ran out a ready winner and looks capable of further improvement. Wake Board has already won over the larger obstacles at Bangor and Wetherby but may find life tough under a double penalty against these and more interesting is Bermuda Boy, who has been in good form over timber and looks the type to take to fences.
Wake Board (FR) 5-4fav (11-5) Held up in 4th, took keen hold, went 3rd 9th, left 2nd briefly when hampered by fallen rider 12th, went 2nd again before 4 out, ridden and switched right before 2 out, stayed on flat to lead close home, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in May beating Peaceful Means (10-5) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Al Qeddaaf (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Made all, ridden clear flat, stayed on well, eased towards finish, comfortably, won at Cartmel 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May beating Pistolet Noir (10-12) by 9l, 3 ran.
Rio Gael (IRE) 2-5fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 8th, ridden 2 out, pressed last, driven out, won at Fakenham 2m beg chase (4) gf in May beating Cat Six (10-4) by 3l, 7 ran.
Bermuda Boy (FR) 2-1fav (11-9) Held up in touch in mid-division, headway 5th, went 2nd next until approaching 2 out where mistake, one pace, 3rd of 8, 20l behind Kylenoe Fairy (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd.
Tarkari (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Held up 3rd and last, hit 6th, outpaced when hit 2 out, ridden and no impression flat, last of 3, 14l behind Al Qeddaaf (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May.
