close up, ridden 10th, weakened approaching last
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened, jumped left last
held up in rear, headway to go in touch after 4th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, led flat, ran on
always in last place, reminders and behind 5th, pulled up soon after 8th
mid-division, hit 4th, lost place after 8th
always in rear, behind when jumped slow 10th
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 3 out, no impression after
tracked leader, mistake 9th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed flat, kept on one pace
KING TROY attracted a large amount of support on his debut for the Alan King yard and while supporters will have to make do with shorter prices today, losses can be recuperated here. Third in his sole point-to-point start behind Big Fella Thanks and Herecomesthetruth, he was probably given too much to do if one was to be critical of the ride given to him around Southwell's tight circuit last time, making blunders at vital stages of the race and loosing ground which ultimately was to prove his undoing. In time he should be better over further but he looks a horse that could be well handicapped and can land this. Soleil Fix made a winning return from a near three month absence last time at Fontwell, a course at which he seems to produce his best. His bold front running style is suited to this venue but he will need to improve once again to defy his 8lb rise for that most recent win at Fontwell. Master Medic is likely to force the issue with Soleil Fix from the outset. He is lightly raced but the handicapper has taken few chances with him by reacting with a 13lb ratings rise for that novice chase win last time. It was not a competitive race which he won but despite one bad blunder, his jumping was satisfactory in the main. Atouchbetweenacara was strongly backed for a quick follow-up on his final start last season where he took a hefty fall. He could still be well handicapped but against race-fit rivals he could be vulnerable today. Much was clearly expected of King Troy last time out and while supporters left their cash behind, he can do the business today.
Nikola (FR) 14-1 (11-7) Close up, led 5th, headed 7th, led again 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Breedsbreeze (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Soleil Fix (FR) 11-4jt-fav (11-6) Led until 2nd, led 6th, kept on well from 3 out, ridden out, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Oct beating Storm of Applause (11-10) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Master Medic (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (11-3) Jumped right, led until 4th, led 6th, stayed on well from last, ridden out, won at Fontwell 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Oct beating City Affair (11-3) by 7l, 8 ran.
Migwell (FR) 11-1 (11-7) Prominent, led 10th, ridden and headed before 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 12, 30l behind Cava Bien (10-6) at Exeter 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in May.
King Troy (IRE) 2-1fav (10-7) Held up, mistake 1st, headway 11th, hit next, went 2nd after 4 out, every chance 3 out, blundered 2 out, stayed on flat, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Gaelic Flight (10-1) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Big Rob (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Chased winner until before 3 out, ridden and soon weakened, 4th of 6, 32l behind Cool Roxy (11-9) at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Oct.
Down's Folly (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, some headway 3 out, never on terms, soon weakened, 9th of 17, 40l behind Ouzbeck (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Oct.
Atouchbetweenacara (IRE) 10-11fav (11-5) Prominent and pulled early, blundered 3rd, chased leader 6th, led 11th to 4 out, ridden when fell 3 out in race won by Kilrogan (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar, 8 ran.
