made all, unchallenged
tracked leaders, left 2nd 6th, no impression on winner from 3 out
tracked winner when fell 6th
tracked leaders, pushed along and weakened from 5 out
KNOCKARA BEAU can oblige at the expense of Gansey and Calin Royal. With the two dangers both set to race at Wetherby on Saturday, the field could cut up further still. That said, Knockara Beau should be up to the task of seeing both off. The six-year-old has looked entirely proficient over the larger obstacles and on ground that suits, the bookmakers will be taking no chances. Gansey appears an exciting type. He won well at Haydock Park and while he will be winning more races in the future, this will be a stiff task to take on one of the North's leading players even in receipt of weight. Calin Royal ran as if something were amiss last time out and will need to improve his fencing. Doodlebop and Ellandshe are out of their depth at this level and it is to be hoped that connections enjoy their day out. Knockara Beau has been presented with a decent opportunity to land a fair sized pot and he will not be spurning the chance.
Knockara Beau (IRE) 5-2fav (11-10) Chased leaders, hit 10th and 2 out, stayed on well approaching last, led 100 yds out, headed last strides, 2nd of 6, nk behind Weird Al (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs in Nov.
Calin Royal (FR) 7-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, effort 4 out, soon ridden and outpaced, 4th and beaten when mistake next, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Bench Warrent (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov chs 0-120 (3) sft in Nov, 6 ran.
Doodlebop (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 12th, outpaced 4 out, soon no impression, stayed on to go moderate 3rd last, 3rd of 5, 22l behind Tazbar (11-2) at Musselburgh 3m beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Ellandshe (IRE) 22-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, blundered 15th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Opus Cafe (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) sft in Nov, 12 ran.
Gansey (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Tracked leader, blundered 2nd, blundered 8th, led 2 out, kept on well from last, won at Haydock 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy in Nov beating Mister Watzisname (11-2) by 4l, 4 ran.
