led until 2nd, chased leaders, ridden after 14th, plugged on same pace from 3 out, went 2nd close home
in touch, ridden after 13th, mistake 15th, weakened next, tailed off when pecked badly 3 out
never travelling or jumping in rear, held off and pulled up after 10th
always prominent, led 2nd until 4th, led again 4 out, drew clear from next, hit last, comfortably
lost touch 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 13th
chased leaders, driven along from 13th, weakened after 3 out
prominent, led 4th, pecked 7th, not fluent and headed 4 out, no chance with winner from next, lost 2nd close home
Colin Tizzard looks to hold a strong hand here saddling both Levallois and Ebony Jack with preference for the former, who gets the vote ahead of Peveril Pride. The selection would take all the beating if running to the form he showed at Chepstow in October when clear before falling four out. A couple of confidence boosting runs since then should ensure a safe round for horse and rider and he looks the one to be on. Stablemate Ebony Jack is a consistent performer and is again entitled to be thereabouts but may, once more, have to settle for a minor role. Strolling Vagabond showed improved form at Plumpton last time and has to be respected off the same mark today; John Upson's gelding makes more appeal than Gary Moore's Stormy Skye, who may need another run to put him spot on. Jonathan Geake's Peveril Pride would have claims if none the worse for his fall last time at Lingfield but a safer option looks to be Levallois, who is taken to gain a deserved success.
Stormy Skye (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Chased leaders until lost place approaching 14th, never on terms after, 4th of 9, well behind Wee Anthony (11-1) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.
Ebony Jack (IRE) 11-8fav (11-12) Led, headed 13th, no chance with winner from next, 2nd of 4, 16l behind Mayoun (11-5) at Plumpton 3m 2f amt hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Nov.
Levallois (IRE) 10-3 (10-7) Jumped right, led 4th to 6th, led again 7th, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Tradingup (10-3) at Towcester 3m cnd hcp chs (5) hvy in Nov.
Peveril Pride 15-2 (10-2) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, ridden next, 5th and no chance when fell at the last in race won by Honor And Glory (10-2) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Nov, 16 ran.
Strolling Vagabond (IRE) 16-1 (10-4) Behind, mistake 9th and 13th, went poor 3rd and blundered 3 out, soon went 2nd, but no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Hill Forts Henry (9-7) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Oct.
Ballyaahbutt (IRE) 15-2 (9-11) Made most, ridden 3 out, soon headed and weakened, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Bridge Flight (11-1) at Hereford 3m 1f amt hcp chs (5) gs in Nov.
Carroll's O'Tully (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, driven along 9th, soon lost place and well behind, 10th of 16, 42l behind Honor And Glory (10-2) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Nov.
