led, soon clear, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, kept on gamely but no extra final 100 yards
chased clear leader, closed on leader after 7th, challenged 2 out, ridden into narrow advantage when good jump last, ridden out
chased leaders, closed on leader after 7th, ridden after 3 out, weakened next, blundered last, eased
Nonrunner
An intriguing novices chase can go the way of Don't Push It, with Private Be and Opera Mundi looking the chief dangers. The selection has only been beaten twice in seven starts, and one of those was by the superstar Denman. His defeat of Mr Pointment last month looks the best form on offer as that one of Charlie Egerton's is well thought of, and with more improvement to come, Jonjo O Neill's gelding could take this on route to a tilt at the Arkle or SunAlliance Chase. Opera Mundi bolted up on his chase debut at this course and looks another with a very bright future. The slight drop in trip shouldn't be a problem as he travels so well in his races, however his inexperience may count against him in this talented field so we will reluctantly pass him over. Private Be makes his chasing debut today and Phillip Hobbs wouldn't be putting him in this ultra-competitive race if he didn't think him up to it. He is sure to have been well-schooled but this looks too tough. Only Vintage comfortably disposed of Caribou last month, however this drop in trip doesn't look sure to suit so he is passed over, as is Alan King's Stoway. She is getting weight from all of the field, and her form in France looks very useful. However she may just need this run after 218 days off the track, so we will ultimately side with Don't Push It to continue his fine progress.
Private Be 3-1fav (11-9) Hung left throughout, made all, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec beating Hawridge Star (11-4) by 3l, 13 ran.
Opera Mundi (FR) 13-8fav (10-11) Chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, led 4 out, steadily forged clear, unchallenged, won at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating Petitjean (10-9) by 22l, 10 ran.
Stoway (FR) 6-4fav (10-10) led until headed near finish, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Roi Du Val (10-3) at Auteuil 2m 1f chs in Jun.
Don't Push It (IRE) 8-11fav (11-5) Held up, blundered 10th, headway 4 out to track leaders, led and not fluent 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) sft in Dec beating Mr Pointment (11-5) by 2l, 7 ran.
Only Vintage (USA) 9-4 (11-5) Held up, chased leaders after 7th, went 2nd approaching next, led approaching 3 out, ridden out, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Dec beating Caribou (10-7) by 13l, 7 ran.
