in touch, cajoled along to lead 7th, blundered and headed 8th, weakened 13th
held up, ridden 13th, effort after 14th, soon struggling
held up, hampered 9th, never a factor
in rear when fell 9th
with leader, led 12th, headed 13th, chased clear winner 2 out, rallied and every chance last no extra
led, headed approaching 7th, left in lead 8th, headed 12th, led again 4 out, clear when mistake 2 out, kept on
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 5 out, no further impression
in touch, led 13th, headed 4 out, weakening when hit next
tracked leaders, close up when pecked 16th and one pace
Oakfield Legend, Kiltimoney and Mistress Nell are the shortlisted trio here with Kiltimoney getting the vote. Runner up at Towcester, Kiltimoney justified favouritism next time in good style as he lost his maiden tag. He seems to be progressing, and receiving weight all round will be a danger to all. Mistress Nell is still amaiden but has run well recently, notably when chasing home Present M'Lord last time. The winner has been placed off a higher mark since so the form looks solid enough. Oakfield Legend is another to have shown improved form this season, slamming his field when providing a surprise at Taunton last time. That win came on fast ground, as did his previous success, and he may not be as effective under top weight on soft ground. Kiltimoney can score again.
Zimbabwe (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Prominent, ridden approaching 14th, soon weakened, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind The Risky Viking (11-2) at Exeter 4m hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.
Malaga Boy (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) In touch, driven and struggling after 4 out, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Victor Daly (10-6) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov.
Jordans Lad (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Mid-division, mistake 2nd, weakened approaching 2 out, 8th of 10, 16l behind Papillon de Iena (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (5) gs in Nov.
Low Delta (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Held up towards rear, steady progress from 13th, close 5th and going well enough when blundered and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Ibberton (10-4) at Chepstow 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov, 14 ran.
Mistress Nell 14-1 (11-9) In touch, ridden to lead 2 out, headed last, rallied and stayed on strongly under pressure flat, just failed, 2nd of 12, shd behind Present M'lord (11-6) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Nov.
Ironside (IRE) 10-1 (10-4) Made most, headed and mistake 14th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 29l behind Arnold Layne (11-12) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.
Hazeljack 18-1 (11-3) Never better than mid-division, 8th of 15, 30l behind Maximinus (10-0) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
Paddy The Optimist (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Prominent when lost action and pulled up at the 14th in race won by Present M'lord (11-6) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Kiltimoney (IRE) 7-2fav (10-0) Led to after 1st, chased leader, led 13th, made rest, hit 3 out and last, driven out, won at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft beating Maori Legend (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Oakfield Legend 20-1 (11-5) Led 4th, made rest, drew clear from 4 out, easily, won at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Nov beating Croc An Oir (11-8) by 9l, 16 ran.