tracked leaders on inside, jumped slow 1st, hit 5th, weakened from 10th
held up towards rear, pushed along after 4th, in rear and reminders from 7th, soon struggling, tailed off from 10th
tracked leaders on outer, pushed along after 7th, soon weakened
held up in rear, hit 8th, soon slightly outpaced, headway approaching 4 out, every chance approaching next, soon chased winner, kept on same pace from last
held up towards rear, headway approaching 8th, weakened from 3 out, went 3rd last, no impression
led and soon clear, not fluent 5th, hit 9th, jumped right 5 out, headed 3 out, soon weakened, hit last
treacked leaders, took keen hold, led 3 out, driven out, kept on well
A market check is strongly advised here as there's little doubt that Factotum in particular is capable of better. However, it's likely we'll have to wait until he's handicapped to witness sudden improvement and, in the hope that he's solid in the betting in his own right, HOLLO LADIES gets the vote. Ferdy Murphy's horse drifted alarmingly before unseating Graham Lee at the second flight on his first start for the yard, having previously achieved plenty over timber for Noel Meade. Our hope is that he's recovered well and come on in terms of fitness in the nine days that have since passed; if he has then he could outclass these. Mexican Pete has been given time to recover after a reasonable return and could feature but Smuglin is likely to fare better as she's bred for this game and goes well fresh.
Canticle 7-1 (11-2) In touch in 4th, joined leaders 13th, a close 2nd when blundered 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 5, 36l behind Swincombe Rock (11-8) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Deep Reflection 9-2 (11-4) Mid-division on outside, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened and eased, tailed off, 11th of 13, well behind Golden Gem (10-9) at Worcester 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gd in Aug.
Factotum 66-1 (11-1) Held up in rear, ridden after 13th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Tell Massini (11-4) at Stratford 2m 7f beg chs (4) gs in Oct.
Hollo Ladies (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders in 4th, unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Benny Be Good (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs, 9 ran.
Mexican Pete 25-1 (10-12) Held up in 4th, close up when mistake 2 out, soon ridden, weakening when left 3rd and hampered last, 3rd of 7, 18l behind On Borrowed Wings (10-12) at Stratford 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Panama Canal (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Led until jumped right 7th, every chance 4 out, ridden and beaten after 3 out, 2nd of 4, 11l behind Abey M'boy (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Oct.
Smuglin 2-1 (11-5) Close up and keen, challenging when hit 3 out, led 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well, won at Perth 2m 4f hdl (4) gf in May beating Proficiency (10-12) by 10l, 8 ran.
