tracked leaders, every chance after 3 out, soon ridden, one pace from next
close up, went 2nd after 5th, led 2 out, soon ridden, headed flat, rallied gamely, just held
led until 3 out, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up last but just behind leaders, mistake 3 out, headway next, challenged last, led flat, all out
prominent, led and mistake 3 out, ridden and headed when hit next, every chance last, no extra
close up, effort after 3 out, one pace from next
close up, effort after 3 out, soon beaten
held up in last pair, headway on outer after 5th, effort after 3 out, weakened after next
One of the best Novice events seen so far this season and narrow preference is for GOLAN WAY ahead of Dee Ee Williams and Door Boy. Sheena West's gelding was underestimated at Cheltenham in November, starting at 8/1 despite chasing a fourth win in a row. Having gone off quickly, this iron son of Golan stayed on doggedly up the hill to win deservedly. Unpenalised for that Grade Two win, he can win again. Medermit won well last time and his previous second to Mahonia rates as solid form, Shamari won just an average race (first two clear) at Taunton but is open to any amount of improvement, whilst Alfie Flits was Listed class on the flat and is now starting to find his feet over hurdles. Wendel is unbeaten in two Plumpton starts but the form of each look suspect, Door Boy ran well when second to the potentially top class Diamond Harry at Cheltenham, whilst Bergo and Dee Ee Williams clashed swords last time over this course and distance. It was the last-named who came off best but a 7lb turnaround in the weights sets up an exciting rematch. What a thrilling race in prospect, with the vote going to Golan Way.
Alfie Flits 3-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, led approaching last, shaken up, stayed on well, won at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (1) gs in Nov beating Font (11-8) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Dee Ee Williams (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Held up in rear, steady headway to chase leading pair 3 out, challenged and hit next, driven and kept on well flat, led towards finish, won at Ascot 2m hdl (2) gd in Nov beating Bergo (11-5) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Golan Way 8-1 (11-7) Made all, clear until 5th, pressed after 2 out, ridden and ran on gainly flat, won at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov beating Over Sixty (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Medermit (FR) 4-5fav (11-5) Confidently ridden, settled off strong pace in 4th, closed up before 6th, chased leader 2 out, led before last, shaken up and drew away flat, won at Folkestone 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Buffalo Bob (10-12) by 6l, 12 ran.
Wendel (GER) 6-4 (11-4) Made all, came well clear from 3 out, unchallenged, won at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Nov beating Nur Tau (10-12) by 8l, 10 ran.
Door Boy (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Raced keenly, held up in 4th, not fluent 3 out, challenged approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Diamond Harry (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Shamari (FR) 13-8fav (11-0) In touch, hit 5th, led after 3 out, mistakes 2 out and last, ridden out, won at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Roodolph (11-0) by 2l, 14 ran.
Bergo (GER) 9-1 (11-5) In touch, headway to chase leading pair approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge last, went 2nd near finish, not quite pace of winner, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Dee Ee Williams (11-5) at Ascot 2m hdl (2) gd in Nov.
