in touch, lost place after 4th, in touch again 10th, outpaced from 12th until stayed on again approaching last
towards rear, headway 9th, not fluent and lost place next, no impression after
made all, driven after last, stuck on gamely
in rear, pushed along after 7th, behind when pulled up before 9th
in rear, lost touch 9th
in touch, not fluent 3rd, weakened 2 out
handy, went 2nd 6th, belted 12th, every chance 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
mid-division, mistake 6th, headway 7th, blundered next, lost place when mistake 12th, behind after
handy until outpaced approaching 4 out, weakened from 3 out
prominent, lost place 7th, behind from 9th, tailed off
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up, headway after 8th, hampered 12th, every chance 4 out, not fluent 3 out, stayed on same pace under pressure flat, no impression
ACCORDING TO PETE is taken to land the spoils with Our Vic and Fortification sure to have their followers. Malcolm Jefferson's charge has looked entirely progressive and appears able to show his form with give underfoot. His trainer has a rich record in his handling of good horses and the course-and-distance scorer is in off a featherweight this afternoon. Our Vic needs little introduction. He is nearing the autumn of his career but he is still capable of putting up a performance in a top grade event and the handicapper is at least allowing him a little bit of slack with his ratings. Fortification has won his last four runs on the spin. Still a novice, he has proved himself worthwhile of this rise in grade. Cloudy Lane won the race last year. He clearly handles Haydock Park and is sure to give another bold account. Mon Mome will be using this as a prep to another Grand National bid. Mr Strachan is not the most fluent of jumpers though has got plenty of speed between the obstacles. Prince De Beauchene ran creditably on reappearance though needs to improve upon that bare form to be good enough today. Jass was a tad disappointing at Cheltenham but as that going was patchy, it could be worth forgiving him that run. Kia Kaha has ran well at the course previously though has gone up plenty in the weights for that effort. According To Pete has the right profile for this race and is accordingly recommended.
Mon Mome (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced soon after 3 out, rallied approaching last, kept on well into 3rd flat, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Tell Massini (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Dec.
Cloudy Lane 13-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, challenged after 2 out, soon ridden, weakened after last, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Money Trix (11-3) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (2) sft in Dec.
Our Vic (IRE) 40-1 (11-10) Mid-division and weakened before 4 out, 8th of 13, well behind Kauto Star (11-10) at Kempton 3m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec.
Jaunty Flight 3-1 (10-13) Held up, headway to lead 4 out, left 6 lengths clear next, stayed on well, easily, won at Perth 3m nov stks (2) gd in Apr beating Lodge Lane (11-3) by 22l, 6 ran.
Kia Kaha 9-1 (10-12) Behind, mistakes 2nd and 3rd, hit 5th, mistake 13th (water), headway 16th, well there when hit 3 out, weakened soon after, 7th of 12, 28l behind The Package (10-0) at Cheltenham 3m 1f listed hcp chs (1) sft in Dec.
According To Pete 5-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, chased leader 16th, chased winner from 3 out, weakened and mistake 2 out, 5th of 12, 20l behind The Package (10-0) at Cheltenham 3m 1f listed hcp chs (1) sft in Dec.
Prince De Beauchene (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) Held up in touch, led 2nd, jumped left 8th, ridden approaching last, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Huka Lodge (10-8) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
Fortification (USA) 12-1 (10-4) Close up, led 3 out, clear 2 out, pushed out flat, easily, won at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Dec beating I'moncloudnine (10-10) by 10l, 15 ran.
Jass 3-1fav (11-3) Always in rear, outpaced 14th, never troubled leaders, 6th of 7, 36l behind Sherwoods Folly (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft.
Mr Strachan (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, challenging when hit last, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec beating Huka Lodge (10-7) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Morgan Be 6-1 (11-12) Held up, hit 11th, not fluent next, weakened after 4 out, 6th of 9, well behind L'aventure (10-11) at Kelso 4m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.
Palypso De Creek (FR) 17-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, jumped slow 3rd, took closer order 7th, ridden after 2 out, one pace from last, 4th of 8, 11l behind Vic Venturi (11-12) at Aintree 3m 2f list hcp ch (1) sft in Nov.
