chased winner until 3 out, weakened after 2 out
made all, clear until 4th, reminders approaching 4 out, driven along from after 3 out, stayed on gamely
jumped slowly 1st and 2nd, soon behind, tailed off
held up in touch, mistake 5th, chased winner 3 out, ridden after 2 out, switched right approaching last, switched left flat, stayed on
held up in touch, hit 6th, not fluent 4 out, weakening when jumped slowly 3 out
A small but competitive field goes to post for this handicap chase and there is very little between many of the leading lights but the main protagonists look to be Thalys,Hakim and Sargon and the vote is given to Thalys. The selection won well last time out when beating Eaue Pure and although he has a penalty for that win he won with a little in hand and under similar conditions here he is taken to defy the handicapper. Hakim rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when beating Danish Decorum but this looks tougher and he looks vulnerable off this higher mark. Sargon is another worthy of respect on his latest third behind Davenport Democrat but all his best form is on a much faster surface and for that reason he is opposed. Logon Intersky looks weighted up to his best while Just Muckin Around is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but for the winner we return to the progressive Thalys.
Log On Intersky (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Led, ridden and headed between last 2, no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Wet Lips (11-5) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf.
Hakim (NZ) 10-1 (10-0) Led to 2nd, chased leader, ridden to lead again after 3 out, ran on flat, won at Bangor 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd in Aug beating Danish Decorum (11-8) by 8l, 10 ran.
Sargon 10-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, niggled along in 4th before 6 out, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace straight, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Davenport Democrat (11-7) at Listowel 2m nov chs gs in Sept.
Thalys (GER) 9-4fav (11-2) Towards rear, headway on bit to lead 12th, ridden 2 out, driven out from last, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Sept beating Eau Pure (10-12) by 7l, 10 ran.
Just Muckin Around (IRE) 8-1 (10-3) Prominent, every chance 4 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Va Vavoom (11-7) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft.
