tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
chased leader, led approaching 3 out, jumped right last 2, easily
tracked leader, under pressure 3 out, soon weakened
led, jumped right throughout, headed after 5th, mistake next, weakened 2 out
in touch when blundered and unseated rider 6th
in rear, in touch when fell 9th
Nonrunner
Kim Bailey has his string in decent form and it would be no surprise to see Regal Approach, a half-brother to the talented Adamant Approach, run a big race on his chase bow but a chance is taken with another chasing debutant. NOBLE ARAN failed to trouble the judge over hurdles so has something to prove as he tackles the larger obstacles but he's bred for this game and it would be no surprise to see him step up to the mark. The Rainbow Hunter showed plenty of promise as a hurdler and may have more to offer in this discipline, Bob Casey is also well worth considering on his chase debut with Timmy Murphy a positive booking for the yard whilst Buailteoir has the edge in experience but does look vulnerable.
Regal Approach (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, headway 8th, chasing leaders after 2 out, weakened final 100 yards, 3rd of 20, 10l behind Munlochy Bay (9-11) at Cheltenham 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
The Rainbow Hunter 8-1 (10-10) Slightly hampered 1st, held up towards rear, not fluent 5th, headway 7th, mistake 3 out, one pace, 4th of 9, 13l behind Hidden Keel (11-6) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Trooper Clarence (10-5) 8th of 18, 26l behind Quitto Bleu (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 3f hdl sft in Oct '09.
Bob Casey (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Led, headed 8th, soon weakened, 13th of 16, well behind Like A Hurricane (11-7) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Oct.
Oncle Kid (FR) 16-1 (10-9) Chased leaders until ridden and lost place before 6th, soon behind, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Silver Accord (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Oct.
Buailteoir (IRE) 2-1fav (11-11) Mid-division, ridden after 7th, soon struggling, no chance when blundered badly 2 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind R'Cam (11-6) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Sep.
Noble Aran (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Held up in touch, every chance 3 out, ridden after 2 out, weakened approaching last, 10th of 17, 48l behind Master Eddy (11-2) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Mar.
