mid-division, weaked from 5th, tailed off when pulled up after 15th
held up, headway 15th, ridden to lead 2 out, headed towards finish, just held
with leaders, behind from 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
held up towards rear, headway when fell 17th
held up mid-division, headway 15th, one pace from 4 out
led to 4th, chased leaders until weakened approaching 4 out
held up in touch, hit 14th, weakened next, pulled up before 16th
chased leaders, weakened from 4 out
with leaders, led from 5th, ridden and headed 2 out, rallied to lead towards finish, all out
led approaching 4th, headed next, blundered 8th, behind from 13th, pulled up before 18th
held up, steady headway 16th, effort to chase clear pair after 4 out, no impression
held up in touch, unseated 12th
always towards rear
with leaders, blundered 8th, weakened from 17th, pulled up before 18th
This looks sure to be a real slog in the mud, and with the shortlist consisting of Theatre Knight, It's Definite, Classic Capers and Victory Gunner, the tentative vote goes to the first-named. Howard Johnson's gelding is fairly lightly raced for the age of nine, and a repeat of his third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree two months ago would see him very much in the frame. He was hampered by a faller on that occasion, but still stayed on strongly and this stamina test should be right up his street. He would have preferred softer ground that day, and with conditions to suit today he looks nailed on for a place at least. Bang And Blame would have leading claims if reproducing the form of his latest win, however he is a real enigma and struggles to post consistent efforts so for that reason he must be passed over. Classic Capers got his head in front last month after filling the runner-up spot in two runs previously, however his new mark of 125 looks high enough indeed. His win over the course was a battling one, having been outpaced at one point, however the extra four furlongs today may just find him out off his big weight. Victory Gunner just got up to win the Lincolnshire National on Boxing Day and so should appreciate this slog, however a 9lb rise for that win looks harsh so he may struggle. There are many in with chances, including Peter Bowen's It's Definite who won in good style last time out at Sedgefield and last year's winner Prince Of Slane, however the most progressive horse in the lineup looks like Theatre Knight so we will stick with him to give his slightly below-par stable a welcome winner.
Classic Capers 15-2 (11-5) Held up, driven along approaching 12th, rallied 14th, left in lead 3 out, drew clear from last, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec beating Rival Bidder (10-8) by 18l, 10 ran.
Devil's Run (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, outpaced 4 out, 4th of 5, 4l behind Kerry Lads (11-12) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy.
Victory Gunner (IRE) 3-1 (10-7) Held up, headway approaching 7th, ridden 4 out, stayed on to lead close home, won at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec beating Orki Des Aigles (9-9) by a shd, 9 ran.
Theatre Knight (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, blundered and hampered 8th, led 11th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, one pace, 3rd of 20, 10l behind I Hear Thunder (11-2) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Supreme's Legacy (IRE) 15-8 (11-5) Chased leaders, went poor 3rd approaching last, no impression, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Himalayan Trail (11-5) at Catterick 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft.
It's Definite (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Always prominent, led before 3 out, ridden clear approaching next, driven out flat, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy beating Uneven Line (10-12) by 14l, 6 ran.
Bang And Blame (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, led 4th, headed 6th, ridden to lead again approaching 3 out, kept on gamely, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Dec beating Bellaney Jewel (11-8) by 5l, 9 ran.
Like A Bee (IRE) 10-3 (11-7) Held up in mid-division, headway after 9th, ridden and chased leaders approaching 4 out, kept on from 3 out, 4th of 10, 16l behind Zimbabwe (10-4) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
