tended to lug right, chased leaders, hit 5th, went 2nd next, chased new leader from 7th, led 3 out, in command 2 out, shaken up approaching last, eased near finish
led to 7th, remained in 3rd, driven and plugged on at same pace from 4 out
mostly chased leaders to 6th, led next to 3 out, no chance with winner from next
blundered 1st, chased leaders until lost place before 6th, well behind 4 out and soon pulled up
held up in rear, headway into modest 4th when blundered 8th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
in touch, 4th and plugged on from 4 out, hit next
in touch, ridden and hit 6th, blundered 8th, soon struggling
Ashley Brook is capable of taking a hand in the finish here but he has found it hard in the last couple of years over fences and a better bet looks to be the classy Voy Por Ustedes, who gets the verdict with Hoo La Baloo rated the pick of the remainder. The selection, last seasons Queen Mother winner, had his colours lowered by Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek but a reproduction of form shown that day should still suffice in this lesser company and Alan King's gelding is hard to oppose. Given the form of David Pipe's runners, Pablo Du Charmil has to be respected, while River City would have claims if the ground really dries out. Royal Shakespeare is capable but a bigger threat is likely to come from the Paul Nicholls-trained Hoo La Baloo. He has a bit to find with Voy Por Ustedes on Sandown running though and Alan King's runner gets the vote.
Voy Por Ustedes (FR) Evensfav (11-7) Tracked leaders, every chance 3 out, chased winner after, driven between last 2, no impression, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Twist Magic (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (1) sft.
Mister Quasimodo 15-8 (11-0) Made all, unchallenged, won at Exeter 2m 1f Grad Ch (2) gs beating Deep Quest (11-0) by 24l, 4 ran.
Hoo La Baloo (FR) 12-1 (11-7) Chased leader, led 8th, headed 3 out, driven approaching 2 out, weakened before last, 4th of 8, 10l behind Twist Magic (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (1) sft.
Royal Shakespeare (FR) 10-1 (11-5) In touch until ridden and weakened 11th, 6th of 8, 14l behind Howle Hill (10-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.
Tramantano 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, blundered badly 5th, not recover and pulled up at the 6th in race won by O'Toole (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs (2) gd, 9 ran.
Pauntley Gofa 12-1 (11-8) In rear, headway before 6th, blundered 7th, soon lost place, behind and pulled up 3 out in race won by Major Euro (10-9) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs, 10 ran.
River City (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Held up, blundered 8th, soon struggling, last of 8, 47l behind Twist Magic (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (1) sft.
Ashley Brook (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Led until headed 8th, chased leader to 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 8, 27l behind Twist Magic (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (1) sft.
