chased leaders, took closer order 8th, every chance from 3 out, no extra closing stages
led, mistake 5 out, headed after next, weakened 2 out
chased leaders, led after 4 out, strongly challenged from next, stayed on well towards finish
held up in touch, mistake 6th, under pressure next, weakened 4 out
held up in rear but in touch, jumped slowly 1st and 2nd, weakened 5 out, tailed off
tracked leader, weakening when blundered 9th, soon beaten, behind when pulled up after 4 out
Big Fella Thanks won a couple of these events earlier last year and the veteran was runner-up in a point-to-point in December. But he has something to find on these terms with DONT DO MONDAYS, who has also had a couple of starts between the flags since winning a handicap at Fontwell last year. Man Of Steel landed a double in hunter chases on fast ground back in June but it was heavy going when Take The Mick finished runner-up at Chepstow in March.
Big Fella Thanks 3-1 (12-7) (tt) trckd ldrs; sust chall 15; ev ch last; no ex final 100yds, 2nd of 13, 1 3/4l behind Wild Bill (12-7) at Chaddesley Corbett 3m gd in Dec.
Dont Do Mondays (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Led aft 3 til hdd 7; wknd 13, 9th of 16, 19 1/2l behind Vincitore (11-2) at Barbury Racecourse 3m in Jan.
Man Of Steel (IRE) 6-4fav (12-5) (tt) held up; hdwy 9; wknd 15; t.o & pu 2 out, at Ampton 3m in Jan.
Take The Mick 20-1 (11-7) Prom to 15, 6th of 10, 36l behind Arkose (11-2) at Ampton 3m in Jan.
Only Time'll Tell (IRE) 20-1 (12-3) 4th when ur 4, at Larkhill 3m in Jan.
Vering (FR) 40-1 (12-0) Bhnd til ur 13, at Horseheath 3m gd in Feb.
