tracked leaders, took keen hold, went 2nd from 2nd until 5th, chased winner 2 out, stayed on same pace, no impression
led, jumped left, not fluent 4th or 12th, headed 14th, led before next, headed 2 out, rider dropped whip when fading in 3rd before last, weakened flat
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, soon outpaced, went 3rd flat, no impression
tracked leader until not fluent 2nd, went 2nd again from 5th, led 14th, headed before next, led 2 out, shaken up flat, comfortably
TRICKY TRICKSTER's last run was in the 2011 Midlands National but he's been out hunting and Paul Nicholls wouldn't have brought back the former Aon Chase winner if he didn't think he could pick up a race or two at this level. The 10-year-old should see off his three rivals with Flaming Gorge probably the one for forecast-backers. A former Nicholls inmate, he was only beaten two lengths by Hunt Ball in a handicap at Wincanton around this time last year. Start Royal won a point-to-point last month and will ensure there is no hanging about but Rathcor may be found wanting.
Flaming Gorge (IRE) 2-11fav (10-12) Made virtually all, reached for and breasted 8th fence,had a good look at passing stables before 13th and niggled along, not fluent 16th, came clear next, virtually pulled up flat, won at Wincanton 3m 1f nov chs (4) gs in May beating Solitary Palm (10-12) by 32l, 3 ran.
Start Royal (FR) 2-5 (11-7) Made all; drvn out, won at Dunston Harriers 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Citizens Arrest (11-0) by 3l, 6 ran.
Rathcor 6-1 (11-0) Hdwy 7; wknd app 2 out, 4th of 15, 22l behind Promising Anshan (11-0) at Point-to-Point Owners & Riders 3m ptp gs in Dec.
Tricky Trickster (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Mid-division, fell 2nd, in a race won by Minella Four Star (9-9) at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lstd hcp chs (1) gs in Mar '11, 17 ran.
