held up, hit 11th, not fluent next, weakened after 4 out
tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place from 13th, pushed along 20th, headway 3 out, blundered 2 out, one pace from last
towards rear, reminders after 13th and soon tracking leaders, behind and pushed along when blundered and unseated rider 19th
held up, headway after 4 out, weakened from last
always in rear, struggling from 19th, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, blundered bady 18th, led 20th, stayed on well from last
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
in touch, chased winner from 2 out, no impression
led, headed 20th, no impression from 2 out
Nonrunner
ROYAL ROSA is our call in the feature of the day but he will be pushed all the way by Morgan Be and Jaunty Journey. Howard Johnson's chaser has been notably fragile throughout his career though it could be argued that off his current mark of 126, and with staying not an issue, he is the ideal candidate for this marathon slog. Morgan Be will have found three miles around Haydock Park at the minimum of his capabilities. Granted, he is 6lb higher than when second in the Eider Chase at Newcastle but he is a proven stayer at a high level of competition. Jaunty Journey represents a yard that are noted for their exploits in staying handicaps. There is a fair chance that he will be capable of securing a front running role in this contest. Ferdy Murphy is no stranger to big race glory so Poker De Sivola is one to take notice of if the market starts to speak in his favour. Bold Ransom was predictably outclassed at Carlisle though his price in the market would shorten drastically were Money Trix to oblige earlier on in the card. Course specialist, Justwhateverulike, would be the one for romantic punters. Connections could not have chosen a more difficult engagement in their bid to land a three-timer. A competitive enough betting medium for punters to get involved with and Royal Rosa has the chance to finally pick up the valuable prize that he has often promised.
Morgan Be 6-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, hit 4th, headway approaching 4 out, staying one same pace when blundered last, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Shining Gale (11-12) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov.
Bold Ransom (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, jumped slow 2nd, headway 5 out, weakened 3 out, 4th of 7, 34l behind Money Trix (11-10) at Carlisle 3m grad ch (2) sft in Nov.
Jaunty Journey 15-8 (11-2) Led, headed 8th, not fluent 11th, every chance when blundered 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Great Endeavour (10-12) at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Poker De Sivola (FR) 10-1 (10-1) In rear, not fluent 12th, ridden and struggling 4 out, 9th of 16, 18l behind The Last Derby (10-3) at Ascot 3m listed hcp chs (1) gd in Oct.
Royal Rosa (FR) 6-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, pushed along and in touch approaching 2 out, kept on one pace to go 3rd flat, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Vic Venturi (11-12) at Aintree 3m 2f list hcp ch (1) sft in Nov.
L'Aventure (FR) 6-1 (10-9) Led 4th, to 11th, stayed well there, hit 16th, rallied gainly from 2 out, stayed on into 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Peut Etre Sivola (10-0) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
Royal Mackintosh 11-2 (10-12) Prominent, led 3 out, driven out flat, held on towards finish, won at Carlisle 3m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Whats Up Woody (10-12) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Garleton (IRE) 10-3fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, slightly hampered 11th, challenged last, led but driven out, won at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Nov beating Coldwells (10-10) by 2l, 11 ran.
Lucky Nellerie (FR) 13-1 (10-9) in a race won by Tiumen (10-9) at Pardubice(CZE) 4m 2f crs cntry chs (5yo+) gs in Oct, 26 ran.
Justwhateverulike (IRE) 16-1 (10-1) Held up mid-division, headway and in touch 14th, went 2nd between last 2, challenged when mistake last, ridden and stayed on to lead flat, held on towards finish, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov beating Nirvana Swing (10-10) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
