led until after 9th, no impression on winner from 3 out, pecked 2 out, lost 2nd after last, no extra
chased leaders, switched right to outside, after 9th, weakened 3 out
not fluent, with leader until 5th, challenged 7th until 9th, soon ridden, went 2nd again after last, no impression on winner
chased leaders, went 2nd 5th until 7th, challenged 9th, soon led, clear 3 out, pushed out
Flaminger thrives on heavy ground and has taken really well to fences. He is on a hat-trick after victories at Plumpton and Fontwell and his stable won this 12 months ago so he’ll make a bold bid to defy a further 6lb rise. But THE GIPPER will almost certainly be going back up in the weights after returning to form at Chepstow last week and and he will also enjoy the testing conditions. Finnegan's Garden adds to the interest as he’s in form and seeking a third course victory – he holds Robin Des Mana on their run together at Leicester.
Flaminger (FR) 4-6fav (12-4) Led to 2nd, led again from 6th, pressed from 3 out, kept on well run-in, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Templier (11-4) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Robin Des Mana (IRE) 9-1 (11-13) Chased leaders on outside, lost place 2nd, effort last bend, mistake 4 out, disputing 4th last, no impression, 5th of 8, 8 3/4l behind Little Light (12-0) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
The Gipper (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Led until 2nd, led next, headed 6th, led next, headed before 2 out, no impression on winner flat, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Dorking Cock (11-11) at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Finnegan's Garden (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Held up in 5th, closer at 3rd, pushed along and one pace in 4th after 4 out, plugged on into 3rd before the last, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 6, 14 1/4l behind Locker Room Talk (11-10) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
