CRYSTAL ROCK can maintain Nicky Henderson's excellent run of form at the main expense of La Sarrazine and Luthien. The Lambourn handler rarely leaves East Anglia empty handed and this looks to be a suitable opportunity for Crystal Rock to open his account in a race that went to the yard a year ago. The ex-Flat performer failed to land a blow at Cheltenham on debut but showed more at Doncaster and can continue to progress although he does need to learn to settle. La Sarrazine was rated higher on the level and there was plenty to like about her first attempt at jumping on ground that would have been testing enough. She merits the utmost respect for a yard that is four from six at the track. Luthien wouldn't have been able to hold a candle to that pair on the level but she showed some ability over course and distance although a minor role may be the best that she can expect. Very Stylish could pose a threat as this is a weaker race than the one in which he made his hurdling debut at Haydock. He had shown ability on debut in a Sandown bumper and is worth keeping an eye on but preference is for Crystal Rock.
Abey M'Boy 16-1 (10-9) Held up, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Zazamix (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Carbon Print (USA) 66-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, tailed off, 16th of 18, well behind Salden Licht (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Crystal Rock (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Held up mid-division and keen, headway approaching 3 out, kept on from last, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Farleigh House (10-7) at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Daaloob 14-1 (11-12) Jumped poorly in rear, tailed off 3rd, 12th of 13, well behind Empty Sky (11-1) at Ludlow 2m nov clm hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Galley Slave (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 5, 15l behind Kilshannig (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f 4yo hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Dec.
I'm In The Pink (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, kept on same pace, no impression, 5th of 14, 17l behind Tito Bustillo (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Nomoretaxes (UAE) 66-1 (9-9) Raced in mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened, 13th of 14, 19l behind Gold Express (9-4) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jul (flat).
Railway Park (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, behind from 4th, struggling from 6 out, 8th of 10, well behind I'm Delilah (10-6) at Doncaster 2m nov chs (3) gd in Dec.
Very Stylish (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Held up, pushed along approaching 6th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 10, 32l behind Peddlers Cross (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
La Sarrazine (FR) 5-2 (10-10) Held up towards rear, steady headway into mid-division 4 out, chased leaders after next, disputing lead 2 out, weakened before last, 4th of 12, 9l behind Dot's Delight (10-5) at Lingfield 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Penny Queen 40-1 (10-10) Led until mistake 2nd, led 3rd to 4th, chased winner until approaching 3 out, weakened well before 2 out, 4th of 10, 34l behind Ryde Back (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mares NH nov hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Bromhead (USA) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, 8th of 15, 28l behind Alazan (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Luthien (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, improved to 3rd 3 out, ridden to chase winner 2 out, soon one pace, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Evening Sunset (11-5) at Fakenham 2m juv fll nov hdl (3yo) (4) gd in Nov.
