held up mid-division, led 3 out, cleared after next
mid-division, headway approaching 10th, weakened approaching 13th
in touch, pushed along after 12th, soon struggling, tailed off, pulled up before 4 out
with leaders, weakened from 4 out
with leaders, weakened 15th, pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, led 15th, headed 3 out, one pace after
held up towards rear, pushed along approaching 13th, never dangerous
always behind, reminders after 12th, tailed off, pulled up before 5 out
held up, headway approaching 13th, stayed on from 3 out, no impression
led, not fluent 5th, headed 15th, ridden, weakened 4 out
with leaders, blundered badly, unseated rider 9th
always behind, struggling, tailed off, pulled up before 4 out
Another tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading fancies but the principals look to be Umbrella Man, Moscow Leader and Frosty Run and the nomination is given to Umbrella Man. The selection was a good second off this mark behind Lubinas last time out. That form has since been franked and under similar conditions here he will be hard to beat. Moscow Leader rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Reverse Swing but he just gave the impression the handicapper had caught up with him on that occasion and he looks vulnerable to a less-exposed type. Frosty Run was a fair third behind Glacial Delight last time and is another with place claims, especially as this faster ground should suit. Up The Pub is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he is at his best when he is allowed to dominate and that does not look likely here. Squantum has conditions to suit and looks to be on a handy mark so could go well at a price but in a race where stakes should be kept to a minimum for the winner we return to Umbrella Man.
Umbrella Man (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Held up, headway approaching 12th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on flat, 2nd of 14, 4l behind Lubinas (11-5) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs.
Moscow Leader (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) Held up, headway 10th, reminders after 11th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 8, 13l behind Reverse Swing (10-0) at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Dec.
Frosty Run (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Mid-division, hit 11th, headway next, every chance and jumped slowly 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 3rd of 15, 10l behind Glacial Delight (11-11) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Squantum (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Held up in touch, ridden and headway 3 out, stayed on gamely to lead close home, won at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd beating Welsh Dane (10-6) by 1l, 13 ran.
Princesse Grec (FR) 11-1 (9-10) Held up in mid-division, ridden and lost touch 10th, soon behind pulled up 2 out in race won by Preacher Boy (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Dec, 8 ran.
Up The Pub (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) In touch, ridden from 12th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 16, 32l behind Merry Storm (10-9) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-88 (5) sft.
Be Upstanding 20-1 (11-0) In touch, mistake 1st and lost place, headway 7th, weakened 12th pulled up 3 out in race won by Graceful Dancer (10-11) at Towcester 3m chs 0-90 (F) gs in Dec, 14 ran.
Supreme Sir (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Led from 2nd, jumped left, headed after 3 out, no extra, 3rd of 16, 14l behind Merry Storm (10-9) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-88 (5) sft.
