Loose Chips is down in grade but has been woefully out of sorts. Uhlan Bute won twice over hurdles but his form over fences so far has left much to be desired. Having faced stiff tasks in his first two runs over the larger obstacles, HORATIO HORNBLOWER came good at Towcester on Boxing Day. He jumps well for a novice and can make a winning start in handicaps, though does have to give 17lb to Market Rasen second Canuspotit who has started favourite in both start over fences.
Loose Chips 5-1 (11-4) Led until 8th, chased leader until next, led again approaching 10th until 12th, lost 2nd next, weakened before 4 out, tailed off and pulled up approaching 2 out, in a race won by Ballinvarrig (10-9) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Horatio Hornblower (IRE) 11-10fav (10-9) Prominent, not fluent 9th, led 4 out, edged left flat, clear towards finish, stayed on well, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) gs in Dec beating Mister Newby (10-9) by 5l, 7 ran.
Uhlan Bute (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 4 out, weakened before next, 5th of 7, 31l behind Simply Wings (11-5) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec.
Canuspotit 9-4fav (11-7) Led 3rd, headed after 4th, led again 6th, headed after 7th, led 9th, headed and edged left towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Kingcora (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
