held up in rear but in touch, mistake 9th, left in 4th at 4 out, left in 3rd next, never a threat
made all, jumped well although to the left throughout, pushed along 11th, driven when challenged from 3 out, stayed on strongly under pressure closing stages
tracking leaders when fell 4 out
tracked leader, driven to challenge after 4 out, every chance from 3 out, no extra towards finish
held up in touch, not fluent 6th and 8th, took closer order 5 out, left in 3rd 4 out, about to challenge when fell next
This is another contest in which the Nicholls stable has a tremendous recent record. The Ditcheat handler has won four of the last six and this year relies on the five-year MON SUCCESSEUR (NAP). He probably lacks the class of some previous winners but is the highest rated of these and should come out on top if Sam Twiston-Davies can find enough cover in this small field. The Saint James would have every chance on his second to Vyta Du Roc at Bangor in December but jumped poorly here over Christmas. Twelve Roses has questions to answer now but Cloonacool looks a progressive novice and shouldn't be underestimated. Killala Quay has struggled in this grade since winning at Uttoxeter in the autumn.
Cloonacool (IRE) 5-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, pecked 4th, challenged 4 out, led next, not fluent 2 out, clear when drifted left last, driven out, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan beating Goohar (10-3) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.
Killala Quay 20-1 (11-4) Led until 4th, chased leaders, 2nd after 11th until next, chased leaders, weakened approaching 2 out, left modest 4th last, 4th of 6, 19l behind Le Mercurey (11-4) at Ascot 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec.
Mon Successeur (FR) 13-2 (10-6) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 8th, close 4th when not fluent 2 out, pressed for 3rd off home bend, 4th and weakening when mistake last, 7th of 11, 25 1/4l behind Village Vic (10-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) hvy in Jan.
Twelve Roses 40-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden 11th, blundered next, soon lost place, weakened after 13th, pulled up before 4 out, at Newbury 2m 7f (1) gs in Nov.
The Saint James (FR) 12-1 (10-11) Held up, went 3rd after 6th until mistake 8th, weakened 4 out, last of 5, 25 3/4l behind Ar Mad (11-8) at Kempton 2m (1) gs in Dec.
