with leader, led and pecked 5th, headed and hit 12th, soon weakened
held up behind leaders, hit 8th, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, blundered last
blundered 1st, led until 5th, with leader, led 12th, in command when not fluent last, kept on well
held up, hit 10th, headway next, ridden to dispute 2nd approaching 2 out, kept on
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 12th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on
Natal, Briareus and Harmony Brig are three against the field in another good race and the narrow vote is given to Natal. The selection won well last time when beating Arrayou and although having a penalty for that win he again has conditions to suit and is taken to win this before going on to better things. Briareus ran as if in need of the run when a disappointing second behind Killaghy Castle, however he should strip fitter and should be watched in the market. Harmony Brig won well last time when beating Percussionist but this looks tougher and he may struggle under his penalty. Royal Shakespeare jumped badly last time so can not be put forward with any confidence. Knight Legend's best form is on a faster surface and can be passed over, so for the winner we return to Natal.
Harmony Brig (IRE) 13-8 (11-3) Made all, ridden 3 out, held on gamely, won at Ayr 2m nov chs (3) sft in Nov beating Percussionist (11-9) by 3l, 4 ran.
Natal (FR) 2-11fav (11-9) Tracked leader, led briefly after 4th, led and left clear 5 out, easily, won at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs beating Arrayou (11-9) by 29l, 4 ran.
Briareus 8-11fav (11-5) Led, narrowly headed when hit 2 out, no extra run-in, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Killaghy Castle (11-5) at Newbury 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.
Knight Legend (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Always prominent, 2nd from 3rd, slight mistake 6 out, challenged after 3 out, pecked 2 out, rallied last, every chance run-in, no extra close home, 2nd of 17, 2l behind O'Muircheartaigh (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs sft in Nov.
Royal Shakespeare (FR) 11-10fav (11-2) Close up, chased winner 4th, outpaced from 3 out, 2nd of 6, 24l behind Twist Magic (10-5) at Fakenham 2m nov chs (3) gs.
