made all, clear from 3 out
tracked winner, ridden and no impression from 3 out
in rear, jumped right throughout, never dangerous
You'd need to be fairly imaginative to make a case for either Allborn Lad or Celtic Society and this has the look of a match; Sharp Reply could win it. Sue Bradburne's charge isn't as experienced as his main rival but he does have an unbeaten record having got the better of King Daniel on his chase bow. He showed a similar level of ability to Sunday City over hurdles but promises to make up into a better chaser on that showing and a big run from Evelyn Slack's runner earlier in the day would only serve to enhance his claims. Sunday City has ability and has chased home smart types in Cedrus Libani and Nevertika since winning in November. He broke a blood vessel last time which has to be a concern, so he's best watched and Sharp Reply is the only alternative.
Sharp Reply (USA) 3-1 (11-0) Led, hit 6th, soon headed, driven to lead again 8th, ridden 4 out, headed next, kept on gamely to lead again last, driven out run-in, won at Musselburgh 2m beg chs (4) sft in Jan beating King Daniel (10-9) by 1l, 9 ran.
Allborn Lad (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, tailed off when pulled up at the 9th in race won by Minster Shadow (11-0) at Newcastle 3m beg chs (4) sft in Jan, 8 ran.
Celtic Society (IRE) 7-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, hampered 12th, soon ridden, well behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by BallyGalley Bob (11-5) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Jan, 15 ran.
Sunday City (JPN) 7-1 (11-4) Held up mid-division, blundered 6th, lost place from next, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Nevertika (11-8) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd in Jan, 11 ran.
