made all, clear from 5 out
held up, bumped badly 1st, never on terms
held up mid-division, outpaced 7th, rallied 3 out, no impression
chased winner and keen, blundered 7th, outpaced 4 out, kept on and no impression on winner from 3 out
held up mid-division, outpaced 7th, never dangerous
held up, headway approaching 5th, outpaced and blundered 8th, pulled up before 3 out
always behind, struggling halfway
chased clear pair, outpaced 7th, rallied 3 out, kept on same pace
always towards rear, pulled up before 3 out
Lennon is the confident selection here ahead of The Duke's Speech and Aviation. The selection has been tremendously impressive in winning his two starts over fences, and should have no problem giving weight away all round. His stable are in fair, if not amazing form, and he looks the standout horse in this field. Those playing for place money should include Tom Tate's The Duke's Speech who was a fair novice over hurdles last season, but is yet to be as effective over fences. This is only his third start over the bigger obstacles so he is open to improvement, however he may appreciate a longer trip and so he is fairly readily passed over. Aviation fell last time out when a hot favourite, and as a winner of a Listed hurdle last year, he would rate a live danger. However he has failed to impress on his two chase starts and so cannot be fancied. Of the rest, Andre Chenier makes his chase debut after winning a claiming hurdle almost four months ago, however he looks to face a tough task today. For the winner then, we confidently return to the class horse in the race, Howard Johnson's Lennon.
Lennon (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Led until headed 4th, led again next, drew clear from 4 out, easily, won at Aintree 2m nov chs (2) gd in Nov beating Opera de Coeur (10-6) by 2l, 3 ran.
Andre Chenier (IRE) 11-8 (12-0) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, won at Perth 2m clm hdl (5) gd in Aug beating Candarli (11-3) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Classic Event (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Towards rear, ridden 4 out, stayed on under pressure from last, no impression, 3rd of 9, 20l behind Archie Babe (11-4) at Hexham 2m beg chs (4) hvy.
Kingkohler (IRE) 7-2fav (11-11) Held up, prominent 5th, ridden and outpaced approaching 2 out, chased winner from last, no impression, 2nd of 9, 7l behind Karathaena (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Oct '05.
Rajam 20-1 (11-5) Held up, outpaced 4th, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 40l behind Tidal Fury (10-7) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
The Duke's Speech (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) In touch, outpaced 8th, rallied and prominent 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 21l behind Rasharrow (11-5) at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Thunderclap 16-1 (11-5) Prominent, led 3rd, headed before 2 out, faded, 4th of 12, 11l behind Escobar (11-6) at Fakenham 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gd in Oct.
Filey Flyer 14-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace, 4th of 14, 22l behind Pukka (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
Aviation 8-15fav (10-7) Tracking winner when fell at the 4th in race won by Mitey Perk (11-1) at Ayr 2m beg chs (4) hvy, 4 ran.
Maynooth Princess (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, prominent on outer, led 4th until headed 2 out, left in lead last, ridden flat, held on, won at Southwell 2m sll hdl (5) gs beating Gavanello (10-0) by a nk, 10 ran.
Trafalgar Man (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) Towards rear when fell at the 5th in race won by Go For One (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs, 7 ran.
