led until 2nd, remained prominent, ridden to challenge 3 out, weakened after next, left in 2nd at last, no chance with winner
settled in rear early, took closer order after 3rd, led just after 3 out, left clear at last, ran on well (1 fence omitted)
settled in rear, effort after 3 out, staying on into 2nd when fell last
chased leaders, lost place after 3rd, stumbled 6th, struggling after beaten before 4 out, left in modest 4th at last
tracked leader, led 2nd, keen, blundered 3 out, soon headed, weakened next, left in 3rd at last
Kauto Riko gained his first victory over hurdles at Market Rasen on Boxing Day then followed up at Catterick despite a 7lb rise. He's 10lb higher for his chasing debut but has the scope to go on to better things if ready after a long break. Winning bumper and dual hurdles winner Applaus was well beaten on his debut over fences at Carlisle in October but that was a better race than this and he should have learnt from the experience. Barrys Jack, who completed a hat-trick over timber on testing ground in the autumn, has shown no aptitude for jumping fences in his two starts but winning point-to-pointer CELTIC FLAMES made a very encouraging start over the bigger obstacles on heavy ground at Hexham and should be capable of defying a 5lb rise. His stable companion Where's Tiger hasn't run since May of last year and is likely to need the run on his chasing bow.
Applaus (GER) 22-1 (11-2) Close up in rear, outpaced 6th, pulled up 2 out, at Carlisle 2m (3) hvy in Oct.
Kauto Riko (FR) 7-1 (10-10) Mid-division, driven and headway before 2 out, soon chased leader and ridden, every chance when mistake last, no extra in 3rd final 100 yards, 3rd of 10, 3 1/4l behind Louis' Vac Pouch (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Barrys Jack (IRE) 9-2 (10-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, lost place 10th, closed before 4 out, 4th and weakening when terrible mistake 2 out, 4th of 7, dist behind Play The Ace (11-12) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Celtic Flames (IRE) 5-2 (10-10) Chased leader, led 3rd (water), headed approaching 4 out, chased leader, upsides when pecked last, led again final 150 yards, stayed on, won at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Nov beating Charlie Snow Angel (10-2) by 4l, 7 ran.
Where's Tiger 9-1 (9-4) Led until 3f out, chased leaders, hung right and weakened inside final 2f, 8th of 9, 11l behind San Quentin (9-1) at Hamilton 1m 3f hcp (5) gf in May.
