tracked leader, weakened after 4 out, briefly chased leader approaching next, left 2nd 3 out, lost 2nd when hit last
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, weakened 4 out, took poor 2nd last
held up, headway to lead 12th, 6 lengths clear when unseated rider 3 out
held up in touch, losing place when blundered 10th, pulled up before 11th
held up, staying on when left in lead 3 out, soon clear
held up, unseated rider 7th
led 2nd, weakened quickly when headed 12th
Rathmulen will enjoy conditions and can follow up his recent course win here for Henrietta Knight, while Michabo and Explosive Fox look best of the rest. The selection jumped left on a few occasions, including at the last, but was still good enough to win here on his chasing debut over a shorter trip last time. This extra half mile or so should definitely be in his favour and he looks likely to be too good for the others. Explosive Fox is generally a sound jumper and races over his optimum trip here. He seems to act on most ground, but is definitely at his best when there is some cut, and he also looks a little high in the weights, so we¿ll take him on. Peter Bowen-trained Michabo enjoys a sound surface and is another racing over his optimum trip. His problem is likely to be the lack of a recent run, as he does tend to need at least one after a break and he hasn¿t been seen since October. The Stickler is bang out of form at present and Red Granite looks a better proposition as far as finishing in the money is concerned, but we prefer the claims of Rathmulen.
Michabo (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, ridden after 12th, no impression, 3rd of 6, 27l behind Sasso (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
Rathmulen (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Chased leader, led after 4 out, ridden and under pressure when jumped left 2 out and again when headed last, rallied to regain lead last 100 yards, won at Southwell 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in May beating Chigorin (10-5) by 1/2l, 9 r.
Explosive Fox (IRE) 11-2 (11-11) Chased leaders in 3rd, closed on leader, went 2nd 4th to 4 out, weakened soon after, 4th of 11, 40l behind Massini Sunset (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
The Stickler 8-1 (11-0) With leaders, led after 2nd, headed 8th, chased winner briefly after 3 out, 3rd when pecked 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 33l behind Alfred's Tower (11-0) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs in May.
Red Granite 10-1 (11-3) Mid-division, mistake 7th, headway after 13th, ridden after 4 out, 3rd, held when mistake last, 4th of 15, 18l behind Extra Bold (10-11) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in May.
Rich Nomad 14-1 (9-11) Held up in rear, mistake 11th, headway next, weakened 3 out, 4th of 10, 13l behind Earcomesannie (9-10) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Cleverality (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Jumped right, led, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 10, well behind Toby Belch (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in May.
