mid-division, effort 5 out, ridden next, weakened 3 out
in touch, ridden 2 out, jumped left and led last, stayed on well
mid-division, headway 5 out, led next, mistake and headed 2 out, soon weakened
in touch when fell 9th
chased leaders, outpaced 5 out, soon weakened, tailed off
led, mistake and headed 9th, tracked leader, ridden and weakened 5 out, tailed off when pulled up before next
mid-division, effort 5 out, outpaced next, soon weakened
held up, headway on outside after 5 out, outpaced next, soon ridden, stayed on well from last, no impression
held up, mistake 7th, behind when fell 5 out
held up, headway 5 out, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, kept on
tracked leader, led 9th, hit next, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
Victor Daly is an interesting character to keep on the right side and gets the nod over Hold The Bid and Low Reactor. The lightly weighted Got The Gift - a winner at Sedgefield last month - is also worth noting in the betting, as he may have plenty more to offer now that Sue Smith has stepped him up in trip. Tjade Collier takes 5lb off with his claim and it would not be surprising to see the partnership go close. The same yard send out Hold The Bid, whose hatful of placed efforts mean he is no back number in this company. He also stays well and comes here in great heart. The betting market may be the best clue regarding Smith's duo here. Low Reactor came good at Newcastle last time and is respected on that effort alone. However, he does need to conclusively prove he gets three miles plus, so there are reasons to hold fire where he is concerned. Therefore, Victor Daly is the safer option today. Heather Dalton's gelding bounded to a comfortable victory at Lingfield last month - delivering on the promise he had previously shown since being sent over hurdles. Even from top weight the six-year-old looks a stand out in this company and he can be fancied to take this in his stride if he turns up in the same form as for his Lingfield romp.
Victor Daly (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Held up in touch, went 2nd soon after 13th, led 2 out, came clear between last 2, kept on strongly, won at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov beating Noble Action (11-9) by 8l, 9 ran.
Hold The Bid (IRE) 10-3fav (10-12) Held up, blundered 1st, chased leaders 4 out, stayed on from last, always held, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Own Line (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Pencil House (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, chased winner after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Soulard (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mdn chs (4) gf in Nov.
Raki Rose 4-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden and weakened 7th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by See More Jock (10-11) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft, 10 ran.
Low Reactor (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (10-9) Held up, mistake 9th, headway to lead 13th, ridden and kept on well from 2 out, won at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs beating The Ring (11-1) by 2l, 10 ran.
Cooldine Lad (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (10-8) Held up in rear, ridden after 4 out, soon beaten, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Blue Splash (11-7) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (3) gd in Oct '06, 6 ran.
Panthers Run 50-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 7th of 8, 41l behind Akilak (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
General Hardi 5-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway and in touch 10th, went 2nd 12th, led 14th, 9 lengths clear last, soon ridden, no extra and headed near finish, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Carryduff (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f mdn chs (4) gs.
Dawn Ride (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) In touch, outpaced when mistake 4 out, soon beaten, 4th of 15, well behind Carryduff (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f mdn chs (4) gs.
Sea Cadet 4-1jt-fav (10-11) Tracked leaders, outpaced when hit 12th, rallied 4 out, chased winner 2 out, 3 lengths down and held when fell at the last in race won by Low Reactor (10-9) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs, 10 ran.
Got The Gift (IRE) 15-2 (10-9) Led, headed 13th, tracked leader, led again before 2 out, clear last, held on flat, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f cnd hcp chs (5) gd in Nov beating Ballyboe Boy (10-1) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
