led until 2nd, tracked leader, led after 10th, ridden after 3 out, joined next, kept on well from last, ridden out
not always fluent, tracked leaders, hit 11th, ridden after 4 out, every chance when blundered 2 out, no extra
led 2nd until 10th, tracked winner, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, weakened quickly, pulled up before next
Robin De Sherwood has been progressing well and is fancied to win again, with is four rivals all capable of providing stiff opposition. The selection ran well on his chasing debut behind Missis Potts and then went on to beat Marcus at Taunton where the first two were some way clear of the rest. The ground should sit and with the step up in trip also looking to suit, he may take some beating. Burren Legend is very consistent but was flattered by his Leicester win and will find this company more taxing, whilst Gardasee hasn't quite progressed as hoped having first been thought of as a serious Cheltenham contender; it remains to be seen whether first-time cheek-pieces and a step up in trip will bring about a change of fortunes. Nation State is consistent but he was beaten by a Paul Nicholls inmate earlier in the year and one would assume that he therefore knows how they compare. Sir Bathwick stays well and should appreciate the return to further and also the softer ground; he could turn out to be the main danger however Robin De Sherwood still looks the one to beat.
Burren Legend (IRE) 3-1fav (11-3) Held up, headway 11th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, kept on flat, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Kings Euro (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Feb.
Robin De Sherwood (FR) 6-5fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, led after 4 out, stumbled next, stayed on, won at Taunton 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Jan beating Marcus (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Sir Bathwick (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Chased winner, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on same pace, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Gold Medallist (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd in Feb.
Gardasee (GER) 5-2 (11-4) In touch, chased winner 8th, ridden and outpaced after 2 out, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Nelson du Ronceray (10-2) at Hexham 2m nov chs (3) sft.
Nation State 15-2 (11-5) Held up, mid-division until weakened 5 out, 6th of 9, 19l behind The Real Deal (10-6) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp chs (2) gs in Feb.
