held up in touch, pulled up quickly and dismounted before 6th
led, ridden approaching 3 out, hard ridden from last, no extra close home, headed post
tracked leader, challenged, every chance 3 out, ridden, lost touch with leaders from 2 out, one pace from last
pulled early, held up in touch, switched right and headway to challenge from 2 out, hung left from approaching last, hard ridden, ran on well flat, led close home
Nonrunner
Pardishar, Without A Doubt and Imperial Rocket look the three to concentrate on in this competitive opener and the vote is given to Without A Doubt. The selection was a fair fifth behind Hot Weld last time out. This looks easier and with conditions in his favour he need only run up to that mark to score. Pardishar rates the main danger on his best form but he looked far from genuine last time out when second behind Cousin Nicky so he can not be put forward with any confidence. Imperial Rocket is another that could go well on his latest sixth behind Nazimabad but he has not progressed as expected. Of the remainder Made In Montot is from a yard in form and is sure to strip fitter here than for his latest run and should be noted in the market, but Without A Doubt sets a fair standard and he looks a value bet in an open affair.
Pardishar (IRE) 6-4 (11-7) Raced in 4th, chased winner approaching 4 out, no chance from 2 out, 2nd of 4, 11l behind Cousin Nicky (10-9) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Mar.
Without A Doubt 20-1 (11-11) In rear, hampered 5th, headway after 3 out, stayed on after next, never going pace to reach leaders, 5th of 22, 11l behind Hot Weld (11-11) at Cheltenham 4m 1f nov amt chs (2) gd in Mar.
Imperial Rocket (USA) 9-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, weakened 4 out, 6th of 8, 19l behind Nazimabad (11-2) at Hereford 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Made In Montot (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) With leader, led 5th to 9th, lost touch 13th, weakened approaching 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Preacher Boy (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f beg chs (D) gs in Dec, 6 ran.
Sapient 150-1 (11-0) Always behind, 9th of 13, 44l behind Picot de Say (10-1) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Mar.