behind, headway for 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat
led, ridden and headed 2 out, rallied to lead last, stayed on gamely
in touch to 4th, soon behind
mid-division, ridden after 4 out, kept on after 2 out, never dangerous
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden after 3 out, hung right and weakened approaching last
chased winner, ridden to lead 2 out, headed last, not quicken flat
towards rear, headway 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on flat
always behind
chased leaders to 5th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
behind, headway 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
always behind
mid-division, mistake 4th, weakened after next
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace when not fluent last
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A tentative vote here goes to Rose Of York, although Alessandro Severo, Princess Amie, Think Quick, Kaid and Wyoming also make it onto the list of possibles. The selection showed improved form over today's course and distance when scoring six days ago and, under a penalty, looks set to go well again. Alessandro Severo has been raised five pounds for getting beaten last time but, with Richard Johnson an eyecatching booking, he can go well. Reach The Clouds has won or been placed in more than half of his 70 races and, back over hurdles, might bag some money. Princess Amie has won two of her last four races, although they were both sellers, and, with Tony McCoy booked, looks sure to show up in this modest race. Think Quick came good at Ludlow last time and, even though this is a slightly tougher race, has also to be placed on the shortlist. A return to his best form sees Kaid in with a chance, while Wyoming showed improvement last time and, even though that was in a seller, most of this field belong to that class. Not To Be Missed ran well over course and distance last time and could be fancied, although he has not raced for nearly a year now. Of the others, Dunkerron certainly has form enough to be competitive at his best, while Little Villain, who may have needed his latest run, also falls into that bracket. At a shorter trip, Avanti is another to consider but, overall, we will side with Rose Of York.
Reach The Clouds (IRE) 12-1 Always behind, 7th of 15, 16l behind Fireside Legend at Plumpton 2m sll hdl (G) gd.
Princess Aimee 10-3fav Tracked leaders, chased leader 5th, ridden and weakened after 9th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Malmo Boy at Plumpton 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
Think Quick (IRE) 9-4fav In touch, headway 3 out to join leaders, ridden to chase leader last, led soon after, ran on, won at Ludlow 2m sll hdl (G) gs in Mar beating Chariot by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Dan de Lion 8-1 Held up, headway 5th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on and no impression from next, 8th of 19, 18l behind Barneys Reflection at Market Rasen 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (G) gd.
Not To Be Missed 15-8fav Keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, chased winner approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 4, 3l behind Correct And Right at Towcester 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) frm in May.
Rose of York (IRE) 20-1 In touch, not fluent 2nd, pushed along after next, not fluent 3 out, led approaching 2 out, stayed on well, won at Towcester 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (G) gs beating Macreater by 3/4l, 15 ran.
Alessandro Severo 14-1 Mid-division, headway 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, hung left last, one pace flat, 2nd of 14, 2l behind La Marette at Bangor 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) sft.
Christmas Truce (IRE) 6-1 Prominent, ridden and outpaced 5th, stayed on from 2 out, 4th of 14, 6l behind Adjawar at Hereford 2m 1f nov sll hdl (G) gd.
