close up, strongly pressed leader before 4 out, ridden and every chance before 2 out, kept on but held by winner from before last
soon led, strongly pressed before 4 out, asserted and pushed along before last, ridden out and stayed on well run-in, always doing enough
in rear, in touch, mistake 3rd, hit 10th, blundered 13th, dropped away and soon beaten
in rear, in touch, mistake 4th, ridden and outpaced by front pair from 3 out, plugged on
Barring accidents, this looks a straight match between Minella Trump and SCENE NOT HERD with the other duo a long way out of the handicap. The former has won all six of his races over fences this season but the latter is 2-2 over the larger obstacles and less exposed. He was particularly impressive when striding clear of seasoned handicappers at Newcastle last month
Minella Trump (IRE) 1-2fav (11-12) Made all, ridden and rallied before 2 out, jumped last fence well, won easily, won at Catterick 2m 3f (3) gd in Nov beating Baron De Midleton (11-2) by 21l, 3 ran.
Scene Not Herd (IRE) 15-8fav (11-11) Prominent in chasing group, not fluent 7th, led 3 out, clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Luckofthedraw (12-1) by 6 1/2l, 10 ran.
Silver Star (FR) 150-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, dropped to rear before 4th, pushed along before 9th, soon struggling and lost touch home turn, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Across The Line (11-3) at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Family Pot (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Held up, made headway after 3 out, kept on after 2 out, ran on well after final fence, snatched third closh home, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Jobesgreen Lad (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Dec.
