led, pushed along before 3 out, ridden and headed well before 2 out, kept on one pace
prominent, pressed leader after 3 out, pushed along and led well before 2 out, went clear well before last, eased closing stages, comfortably
held up in last, pushed along and struggling after 4 out
tracked leaders, reminder with a circuit to go, losing place and ridden after 4 out, gradually faded
mid-division, slow jump 8th, went 3rd 4 out, chased leaders before 2 out, soon ridden and one pace
towards rear, mistakes 15th and 16th, ridden in rear 4 out, stayed on well from 2 out, no chance with winner
mid-division, dropped to last after 12th, lost touch from 4 out
Red Giant was second in the Durham National here last month but was also engaged at Musselburgh yesterday. A winner over a similar trip at Chepstow last season, LEX TALIONIS (NAP) has had two runs over shorter since the summer. He should be approaching peak fitness now and the booking of Brian Hughes is a positive. Grey Atlantic Way was only beaten a neck at Ayr after an earlier win over course and distance and Gold Runner has a chance on the pick of last year’s form. Brother Pat has been in good form in lesser company but might struggle to overcome an 8lb rise in this grade.
Cuneo (FR) 80-1 (11-6) Prominent until 1st, chased leaders, lost place before 3rd, not fluent and ridden 5th, well beaten from 2 out, last of 6, dist behind Bavington Bob (10-11) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Brother Pat 6-4fav (11-9) Tracked leaders in close 3rd out wide, led 13th, clear when hit next, clear again after 3 out, shaken up between last two, easily, won at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (5) gd in Oct beating Regaby (10-4) by 11l, 5 ran.
Scoop The Pot (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) In rear, gained a place at 6th, behind and struggling before 3 out, plugged on run-in, never a factor, 5th of 6, 12 1/4l behind For Jim (11-13) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Lex Talionis (IRE) 7-2 (10-11) Tracked winner, hit 4th, lost 2nd 3 out, soon ridden, beaten between last two, 3rd of 4, 12l behind Do Not Disturb (12-0) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Gold Runner (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Towards rear, ran on when ridden after 2 out but never a factor, 4th of 11, 13 1/2l behind Soyouthinksoagain (11-1) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Grey Atlantic Way (IRE) 11-10fav (10-10) Not always fluent, chased leaders, switched left and challenged 4 out, led after next, ridden flat, headed towards finish, 2nd of 3, nk behind Event Of Sivola (11-10) at Ayr 3m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Hidden Glen (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) Towards rear, not fluent 2nd, ridden 4 out, well behind 2 out, kept on, 5th of 8, 28 1/4l behind Wye Aye (11-7) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Red Giant (IRE) 9-2 (10-0) Led, headed 4 out, ridden 3 out, ran on but always held, 2nd of 9, 6 1/2l behind Hewick (11-12) at Sedgefield 3m 5f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
