held up, ridden and outpaced before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, came to lead before 4 out, kept on at 3 out, went clear 2 out, jumped well last fence, won easily
held up, ridden and made headway before 4 out, kept on at 3 out, outpaced at 2f, made no impression after final fence
prominent tracked leaders and ridden and before 4 out, outpaced after 3 out, kept on after 2 out, rallied after final fence
Golden Taipan has been very consistent over fences and had Raya Time over six lengths behind over the course and distance in October before another very good run at Wincanton. Fergal O'Brien's charge should have the edge over that rival again but WILD MAX is a smart hurdler making his debut over fences and could be good enough. Paul Nicholls' charge has won at Class 2 level over timber and can concede 19lb to the disappointing Son Of Camas, a useful bumper and hurdler who has yet to find his feet over fences.
Wild Max (GER) 16-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear out wide, some headway 4 out, soon beaten, 10th of 14, dist behind Soaring Glory (11-11) at Ascot 2m hcp lst (1) sft in Oct.
Raya Time (FR) 9-2 (12-0) Steadied start, held up in 4th, mistake 8th, 3rd on long run before 4 out, went 2nd next, not fluent 2 out, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 4, 6 1/2l behind Golden Taipan (11-1) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Golden Taipan (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Raced handy, ridden 3 out, stayed on strongly after last but not getting to winner, 3rd of 4, 1 3/4l behind Amarillo Sky (11-2) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Son Of Camas (FR) 11-1 (11-0) Mid-division, outpaced after 4 out, went modest 4th before 2 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 13 1/4l behind Minella Trump (11-8) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
