raced keenly in 3rd, went 2nd before 4th, jumped big next, closer at 7th, challenged on inside before 14th, pushed along and every chance next, ridden and no impression before 2 out, slowed into last, no chance with winner
jumped well, made all and went clear after 3rd, given breather 7th, joined 4 out, came easily clear again before 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged
raced keenly, tracked winner, reached for 2nd, lost 2nd before 4th, outpaced at 14th, no chance after but stayed on run-in
NonRunner
THYME HILL wasn’t foot-perfect at Exeter but that will have taught him plenty. He has a high cruising speed for a stayer and should be too strong in the closing stages for the Nicholls pair Gelino Bello and McFabulous. The latter was pulled up when Mortlach finished second at Wincanton two runs ago but then won at Exeter, though he is better over shorter distances. Harry Cobden’s mount was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season, however, and made a winning start over fences at Wetherby so won’t go down without a fight.
Thyme Hill 1-2fav (11-2) Chased leaders, raced keenly, went 2nd briefly 11th, mistake 14th, led before 4 out, clear 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on, won at Exeter 3m (2) gd in Nov beating Flash Collonges (11-2) by 17l, 3 ran.
McFabulous (IRE) Evensfav (11-2) Made virtually all, ridden and hard pressed 3 out, headed narrowly 2 out, rallied to regain lead approaching last, bounded clear flat, won at Exeter 2m 3f (3) gd in Nov beating Unexpected Party (11-2) by 9l, 4 ran.
Mortlach 14-1 (11-4) Jumped left on occasions, close up early, hit 1st, soon led, joined before 4 out, faced sustained challenge from 2 out, headed soon after final fence, kept on until no extra final 110yds, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Hang In There (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 4f (1) gf in Nov.
Gelino Bello (FR) 1-4fav (11-2) Jumped right on occasions, made all, joined from 4 out, slowed into 2 out, flew the last, strongly pressed run-in, just did enough, won at Wetherby 3m (3) gs in Oct beating Loughderg Rocco (11-2) by 1/2l, 3 ran.
