held up mid-division, ridden 7th, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden, challenged 2 out, led soon after last, all out
led, ridden after 3 out, headed soon after last, no extra flat
mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden, chased leaders 3 out, kept on well from 2 out to go 3rd flat
in touch, ridden after 7th, weakened 3 out
held up mid-division, ridden 7th, soon weakened
prominent, ridden 6th, stayed on one pace to go 3rd after last
held up in touch, ridden approaching 7th, weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden 7th, weakened 3 out
chased leader, mistake 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on one pace
held up in touch, blundered 3rd, ridden 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up behind on outside, tailed off 7th, pulled up after 3 out
always behind, jumped right throughout, tailed off 6th, pulled up after 7th
Au Courant can have the measure of Hot 'n' Holy, with Deep Moon, Dan's Man, Barton Legend and Mister Chatterbox all out to impress. Au Courant was made to work harder than connections had hoped when digging deep to outbattle Busy Henry on his bumper debut at Worcester in November, but has pleased in recent schooling sessions at Seven Barrows and is fancied to make a winning bow over timber. His main rival appears to be Hot 'n' Holy who came good at the second time of asking at Chepstow in December. He too had to work quite hard to open his account, and in truth there should be little between the pair today. Deep Moon was sent off as favourite at Uttoxeter in December but was well beaten behind Baron Romeo. The latter was put in his place subsequently by Hot 'n' Holy, so Henrietta Knight's charge should theoretically be held. Dan's Man has failed to settle so far and with a bit more restraint may improve, while Barton Legend is likely to be outpaced on recent evidence. Mister Chatterbox ran green on his bumper debut at Ludlow before Christmas and so did well to be fifth at the end. He is an improver and could take a hand if hurdling well, but our vote goes to Au Courant.
Another Chat (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, 15th of 22, well behind Straw Bear (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (3) sft.
Au Courant (IRE) 11-10fav (10-13) Held up in touch, driven to lead 1f out, stayed on well, won at Worcester 2m nhf (H) gd in Nov beating Busy Henry (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Barton Legend 28-1 (10-13) In touch, took closer order 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on, 4th of 14, 18l behind Geeveem (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) sft.
Caged Tiger 25-1 (10-11) Held up in mid-division, pushed along 5f out, headway under pressure over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 18, 15l behind Sobraon (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in Mar '04.
Dan's Man 15-2 (10-5) Keen, in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 10, 14l behind Jaunty Times (10-12) at Towcester 2m 5f nh nov hdl (D) sft in Nov.
Deep Moon (IRE) 11-4fav (10-11) Held up, headway halfway, weakened 5f out, hung right over 2f out, 8th of 15, 35l behind Baron Romeo (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Hot 'n' Holy 4-6fav (11-4) Held up in touch, ridden and led over 2f out, driven out final furlong, won at Chepstow 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec beating Baron Romeo (11-4) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Lord Musgrave (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, prominent when fell at the 4th in race won by Glasker Mill (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (E) gd in Dec, 16 ran.
Minster Park 100-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 4th of 8, 44l behind Hoh Viss (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec.
Mister Chatterbox (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Mid-division, pushed along and lost place after 4f, ran green, headway 3f out, stayed on one pace, 5th of 18, 12l behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Portland Bill (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, one pace, 7th of 17, 19l behind Pepporoni Pete (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Sparklinspirit 100-1 (10-11) Held up, never dangerous, 9th of 17, well behind Night Safe (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Assumptalina 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, lost place 5th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Straw Bear (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (3) sft, 22 ran.
Princess Yum Yum 20-1 (11-0) Towards rear, never a factor, 11th of 15, well behind Lady Bling Bling (10-11) at Ludlow 2m mrs nhf (H) gs in Dec.
