tracked leaders, hampered and lost place 6th, soon pushed along, rallied 4 out, soon one pace
jumped left throughout, led to 2nd, led again 3 out, headed last, one pace flat
towards rear, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway and left 3rd 6th, effort 4 out, weakened from next
tracked leaders, 3rd when fell 6th
held up in rear, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, soon clear
with leader, led 2nd, headed 3 out, 3rd and held when fell last
mistake 5th, pushed along 5 out, soon weakened
Seixo Branco was the instigator of some real Christmas cheer at Market Rasen on Boxing Day last year when he registered the easiest of his four wins under rules. The six-year-old beat just one other finisher as he made every yard of the running in the Philip Ross & Co Novices' Chase - eventually crossing the line a distance ahead of his only rival to land the odds as the even money favourite. This form however does not look particularly solid and he is passed over here in favour of Roveretto who has the best hurdle form of those on show and has good course form. The ground is also in his favour. Militaire was a decent flat performer and if translating that form to fences he should put in a good display.
