led, ridden and edged left over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
held up, steady headway over 6f out, weakened over 3f out
always behind
prominent until weakened over 3f out
held up in touch, driven 7f out, weakened 5f out
always going well, led over 1f out, quickened clear, easily
chased leader until over 5f out, weakened 4f out
held up, headway 9f out, ridden and weakened over 5f out
held up in touch, slightly outpaced just inside 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd post
In an interesting bumper, Magical Harry gets the call over Sir Jimmy Shand and, possibly, Hollandia. Course and distance winner The Hollow Bottom was beaten last time under his penalty and could be vulnerable again. In point of fact, he is held by Magical Harry on that form, and the latter, who is trained by Paul Nicholls showed plenty of promise that day, when second to what looked a decent type in Ringaroses. So much so, that he gets the vote. The Nicky Henderson-trained Sir Jimmy Shand, who cost 32,000 guineas, has to be noted, though, on his debut. By Old Vic, Coorbawn Vic is from a good family - his dam's relations include Anzum and Sh Boom - although connections managed to get him for 7,400 euros. Hollandia's dam won an Irish bumper and he is respected although, once again, connections got him fairly cheaply. Trainer Henrietta Knight also trains Ringaroses. Stable companion Native Knight was down the field in a very good bumper at Newbury on his debut. It is hard to fancy the others, although Just Smudge is out of the Champion Hurdle winner, Flakey Dove, and Tiger Rock, who was bred by the late Queen Mother, certainly has something to like on pedigree. Overall, though, the selection is Magical Harry.
The Hollow Bottom 9-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, pushed along over 5f out, hung badly left 3f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 18, 8l behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Coorbawn Vic (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of a mare who ran only once.
Hollandia (IRE) Needle Gun gelding out of bumper winner Steel Mariner.
Im A Tanner 100-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, always behind, last of 13, well behind Unjust Law (11-8) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Magical Harry 18-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 6f out, every chance 2f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 18, 7l behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Native Forest (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 19th of 21, 43l behind Wichita Lineman (10-13) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Sir Jimmy Shand (IRE) Accordion gelding out of an unraced mare.
Tiger Rock Petoski gelding out of an unraced mare.
Perfectly Posh 18-1 (10-4) Always behind, 10th of 13, well behind Suprendre Espere (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Just Smudge 40-1 (10-12) Prominent, led 8f out to over 5f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 13th of 17, 39l behind Belita (10-5) at Warwick 1m 6f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
