took keen hold, soon chasing leader, blundered badly 3rd, not fluent 7th (water), weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, led 3 out, 3L clear last, edged right under pressure flat, headed final strides
in rear, tailed off from 9th
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, chased leader 2 out, hard ridden to lead final strides, gamely
led, blundered and headed 3 out, weakened 2 out
behind, blundered 2nd and 10th, headway approaching 3 out, driven and no extra when hung under pressure flat
Ei Ei Likes to make the running and is in the form of his life at the moment, very much on the upgrade but faces his stiffest task to-date here.
Hot Shots (FR) Thrived on his racing in Ireland and won on his British racecourse debut at Worcester in September but found a few too good next time. Not disgraced behind the improving Fondmort last time and should go well again.
Newick Park Hard to fancy on form so far and the fact that he was pulled up on his only try at this course (albeit in better company) is very off-putting.
Returning Unbeaten over fences so-far and is open to any amount of improvement. The lack-lustre run of stablemate Maximise at Uttoxeter tempers the confidence a little but she has gone well at Sandown in the past and looks to set the standard today.
Pietro Bembo (IRE) Fared little better than Krabloonik on his chase debut at Kempton last month but should have learnt from the run.
Scarlet Pimpernel Had some decent form over hurdles but never travelled well on his chase debut at Stratford a little over a week ago. Too early to write him off as a chaser but is best watched for now.
Krabloonik (FR) Found out by mistakes in his jumping last time and looks to have a bit to find with Hot Shots.
