led to 11th, weakened approaching 3 out
prominent, ridden to lead last, driven out
chased leader, led 11th, mistake and headed last, ran on towards finish
held up towards rear, in 5th and no impression when fell 2 out
held up behind, weakened 10th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 10th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, reminders after 7th and 9th, weakened 4 out
held up behind, headway 4 out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up behind, headweay approaching 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching final furlong
Nonrunner
A tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Mange Tout, Tonic du Charmil and Jarro and the narrow nomination is given to Tonic du Charmil. The selection was a good second behind Great Character last time out. That form has since been well advertised and off the same mark here he looks a value bet. Mange Tout rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Kety Star. However this looks more competitive and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Jarro is another worthy of respect on his latest win over Four Schools but the suspicion is he may just need the run after a 215-day absence. Tamango is sure to have come on for his latest run and should be watched in the market but he looks the stables second string on jockey bookings. His stable companion Mister Flint is another with place claims but he looks weighted up to the hilt and with this in mind for the winner we return to Tonic du Charmil who looks well weighted on his best form.
Mister Flint 4-1 (11-0) Led to 2nd, behind after 4th, 10th of 12, 47l behind O'Toole (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Tamango (FR) 9-1 (10-13) In touch, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on same pace next, 4th of 12, 22l behind Double Deputy (10-3) at Market Rasen 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Tonic du Charmil (FR) 7-1 (11-11) Prominent, mistake 9th, led after 11th, headed 3 out, one pace, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Great Character (10-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Jun.
Mange Tout (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, ridden 8th, ran on to lead flat, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy beating Kety Star (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Duke of Buckingham (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Pulled hard, held up, headway 4 out, weakened after 3 out, blundered 2 out and last, 5th of 7, 26l behind Great Character (10-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Jun.
Jarro (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Led to 5th, with leader, led 7th, ridden after 3 out, ran on, won at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec beating Four Schools (10-13) by 2l, 10 ran.
Magical Harry 11-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, jumped right 6th and 7th, headway 14th, ridden approaching 3 out, no extra towards finish, 6th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Sparkling Taff (10-3) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Jun.
Cossack Dancer (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Pressed winner throughout, mistake 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance run-in, no extra, 2nd of 12, nk behind Jericho III (11-2) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Dec.
