made all, ridden approaching 4 out, in command when edged left approaching last, stayed on well
tracked winner, ridden after 14th, lost 2nd 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, ridden to go 2nd 3 out, no impression approaching last, one pace
held up in 4th, took keen hold, fell 10th
Paul Nicholls could complete a quick double in this with BOLD ADDITION. Successful three times over hurdles in the spring, he didn't do a lot wrong when runner-up to race-fit Sizing Symphony on his return to action at Cheltenham and the third has franked the form since - he'll have had plenty of schooling over fences. Ackertac was pulled up on his fencing bow but did a lot better when second in a three-runner race at Ascot last month and may have more to offer, though Tornado Bob probably has more scope as he has a chasing pedigree. He hasn't been seen since pulling up in a Grade 1 novice hurdles at The Festival in March, however. Mr Moonshine was impressive in beating more experienced rivals at Carlisle but was receiving weight that day whereas the boot is on the other foot here.
Mr Moonshine (IRE) 3-1 (10-8) Made all, mistake 5th, clear from 4 out, eased heavily run-in, won at Carlisle 2m 4f int chs (2) gs in Oct beating Hidden Keel (11-4) by 16l, 6 ran.
Ackertac (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Jumped left, led, hung left on paddock bend after 6th, went left and headed 7th, chased winner, challenged after 10th, led 13th, went left 2 out, went left and headed last, one pace and well held flat, 2nd of 3, 2 1/2l behind Micheal Flips (11-3) at Ascot 2m 3f beg chs (3) gd in Oct.
Bold Addition (FR) 5-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Sizing Symphony (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nh nov hdl (2) gf in Oct.
Tornado Bob (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, lost place after 3 out, weakened next, behind when pulled up before last, in a race won by First Lieutenant (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
