tracked leaders, outpaced after 4 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd before 2 out, led run-in, kept on
mid-division, headway before 2 out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, no impression
towards rear, held when fell 2 out
towards rear, pushed along after 4 out, never dangerous
with leader, led before 3 out, soon clear, headed run-in, no extra
mid-division, headway before 3 out, kept on same pace
in rear, ridden before 2 out, no impression
led, headed before 3 out, kept on same pace
Hard to analyse just how talented BIG RIVER may be but he has created a really good impression to date, none more so than when cruising home at Ayr last time in a first-time tongue-tie. He's inevitably received harsh treatment from the assessor but such was the manner of that latest success that he needs staying with for the time being. Crucially, he does not appear ground-dependent. Very First Time ran a cracker at Carlisle off just 10-2 last time so will find this a very different challenge off top weight. He's certainly going the right way though, stays well and rates the main threat to the selection, although his very best form has come on deeper ground than is forecast. Clondaw Kaempfer has an each-way shout, as does Arthurs Secret, but Irish raider Kentucky Star could prove a greater threat after a smooth success over course and distance last time.
Very First Time 8-1 (10-2) Held up mid-division, went 2nd before 2 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Milborough (10-3) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Clondaw Kaempfer (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, one pace before last, stayed on flat, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Florrie Boy (10-1) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Big River (IRE) 5-6fav (11-0) In touch, led 3 out, clear before last, canter, won at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Top Billing (11-12) by 11l, 6 ran.
Ganbei 33-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, tracked leaders 3 out, driven to chase clear pair before next, never on terms, lost modest 3rd after last, 4th of 10, 16 3/4l behind Desert Cry (11-7) at Bangor 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Kentucky Star (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway before 5 out, led 2 out, ran on well, won at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec beating Shantou Tiger (11-8) by 4l, 10 ran.
Landecker (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Mid-division, outpaced before 3 out, 5th of 10, 15 1/4l behind Ami Desbois (11-8) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Arthurs Secret 11-4 (11-5) Tracked leader, led 5th, hit and headed 6th, led again before 3 out, ridden and headed run-in, kept on, 2nd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Jonny Delta (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Man Of Plenty 12-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway before 2 out, ridden and every chance run-in, just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Hint Of Mint (11-10) at Taunton 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Boruma (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Always towards rear, 7th of 10, 23 1/2l behind Ami Desbois (11-8) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Full Jack (FR) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up towards rear and outpaced, headway 4 out, stayed on from last, nearest at finish, 3rd of 10, 4 1/4l behind Kentucky Star (11-5) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec.
