chased leaders, chased winner after 4 out, ridden and looked held from 3 out, 4 lengths down and looked beaten when blundered and fell heavily last
with leaders to 3rd, ridden and lost place 6th, struggling 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
tended to jump right, disputed lead to 3rd, stayed prominent, mistake 7th, challenged 9th, weakened after 4 out
held up in rear, under pressure 7th, driven and no response when mistake 9th, soon beaten
disputed lead, led 3rd to 5th, chased winner to after 4 out, 3rd and no impression when jumped right 2 out, jumped right and left 2nd last, no impression run-in
prominent, led 5th, looked in command from 3 out, left clear last, driven out run-in
A strong but select renewal of this prize as Be My Better Half is suggested in preference to Saintsaire. Jonjo O'Neill has been particularly patient with the eleven-year-old and that patience was rewarded with a good success at Carlisle. Produced expertly by Noel Fehily on the day, he will be partnered on this occasion by AP McCoy. Saintsaire is a very respected danger at this level. He is significantly better in over chase fences than hurdles but is prone to making the odd howler. He has to be a danger if securing a clear round. Kadount has solid form at championship level with a second at Aintree to Fota Island looking particularly smart. He is yet to sparkle this season and was soon beaten on his most recent start. Wain Mountain is a dour stayer in the mud. He may just find things happening a little too quickly over today's trip. Noisetine is proven under these conditions and is likely to find conditions more suitable than those encountered at Cheltenham. Patricksnineteenth is the apple of Paul Webber's eye and should have few problems with the surface. He has had his training troubles but he should be spot on for a recent run and the market is watched. A fascinating race that can go to Be My Better Half.
Kadount (FR) 13-2 (11-1) Tracked leaders in 4th, under pressure and weakened after 4 out, 5th of 6, 22l behind Armaturk (11-12) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs (B) sft in Dec.
Noisetine (FR) 20-1 (10-6) In touch, lost place 4th, 11th of 13, well behind Fondmort (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f lst hcp chs (1) gs.
Patricksnineteenth (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Prominent, led 6th, headed 8th, ridden from 4 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Lord Maizey (10-13) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs in Dec.
Saintsaire (FR) Evensfav (11-12) In touch, pressed leader after 4 out, led 2 out, blundered last, eased flat, won at Windsor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Dec beating Macmar (11-6) by 9l, 7 ran.
Be My Better Half (IRE) 11-1 (10-9) With leaders, led 4 out, ridden last, kepft on under pressure flat, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (2) hvy beating Better Days (10-10) by a nk, 11 ran.
Wain Mountain 20-1 (10-3) Held up towards rear, mistake 6th, steady headway after 11th, weakening when blundered 3 out, 5th of 18, well behind L'aventure (10-4) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gs in Dec.
