It is obviously a concern that Paul Nicholls' MASTER TOMMYTUCKER has fallen on two of his three starts over fences but he jumped well until falling in the lead in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He is clearly well regarded at Ditcheat and is likely to go close if completing a clear round. The consistent Tidal Flow found only one too good in a handicap at Newbury last time and is clear of the rest on these terms back in novice company with Ready And Able looking best of the remainder.
Master Tommytucker 5-2 (11-7) Led until fell 4 out, at Kempton 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Ready And Able (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Held up in last pair, steady headway 13th, chased leaders before 3 out, went 3rd next, hung left between last 2, driven and went 2nd run-in until close home, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Court Master (10-3) at Newbury 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Tidal Flow 5-2fav (11-8) Chased leaders, led 11th, pushed along and headed 3 out, chased winner, one pace and well held next, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Burbank (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Gibb Hill 40-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, fell 1st, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Hot Smoked 11-2 (10-12) Chased leader, led 4th, hit 3 out, clear approaching last, hard ridden and weakened badly run-in, caught post, 2nd of 12, shd behind Manofthemoment (11-9) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (5) sft in Mar.
Sea Destination (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Held up last, gained a place at 5th, detached 8th, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Esprit Du Large (11-2) at Exeter 2m 3f (3) sft in Nov.
