in touch, went 2nd 10th, led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well flat
held up and behind, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, mistake last, kept on no impression
mistake 1st, mid-division, headway 10th, chased leaders 4 out, soon ridden, no impression from 2 out
made most until mistake and headed 9th, lost place 12th, soon beaten
dispute lead, led 9th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace flat
mistakes, always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
lost fluent, held up, headway and in touch 10th, lost pace 4 out, pulled up before next
mid-division, reminder 8th, behind when blundered unseated rider 2 out
held up towards rear, headway when hit 11th, saddle slipped next, 5th when pulled up 14th
held up towards rear, outpaced 4 out, weakened next, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, mistake 10th, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Not a bad race as these contests go, and much will depend on how Phar From Frosty performs after a long lay-off, but we will side with him to beat Pebble Bay, Noble House, Windy Spirit and Hi Fi. The Charlie Egerton-trained selection is sure to have been well schooled for his chasing debut, and 'Edgie' would not be running him unless he was over all his problems. First time back after a long absence is often a good time to catch a horse, and if he retains anything like the ability that saw him get to within three lengths of Comply Or Die over hurdles on his last start 18 months ago, then he should take this. Sue Smith runs Pebble Bay, a 10-year-old making his chasing debut here. Nevertheless, she has a good record here, and the gelding has ability, and if handling the fast ground he can go very well. Noble House is an interesting contender, and after a pipe opener here over hurdles earlier this month, we expect improvement and a bold showing here. Ian Williams blinkers Hi Fi for the first time, and although he has some ability, they are going to need to work well to get him home in front, while Windy Spirit has his first run for Evan Williams and goes well on the ground, so have a look for any market moves there. But whatever the bookies tell us, Phar From Frosty has the right credentials to land this prize.
Beat The Heat (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, 10th of 14, well behind Westmeath Flyer (11-7) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) sft in Apr.
Daguyda (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, headway to chase leader after 5f out, weakened after next, 5th of 8, well behind Menphis Beury (10-13) at Doncaster 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Jan.
Hi Fi 9-4 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden 7th, weakened 3 out, last of 4, 26l behind Terrible Tenant (9-11) at Towcester 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Apr.
Pebble Bay 5-2jt-fav (10-12) Chased leaders, chased winner 3 out, ridden every chance 2 out, one pace from last, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Stan (11-8) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Apr.
Phar From Frosty (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, led 4 out, headed 2 out, every chance last, one pace flat, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Comply Or Die (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m 1f nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Dec '03.
The Names Bond 33-1 (11-0) Chased leader until blundered 7th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 8, 9l behind Feel The Pride (11-5) at Warwick 2m nov chs (D) gf.
Windy Spirit (IRE) 4-5fav (12-3) won at Laleston 3m ptp in Apr beating Chief Predator (12-3) by 5l, 9 ran.
Noble House 3-1jt-fav (11-2) Led to 3rd, remained in touch, chased winner approaching 2 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure flat, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Miss Jessica (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 5f mdn hdl (E) gd.
