tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, hit 4 out, closed before 2 out, driven approaching last, unable to challenge
jumped right but very well, made all, driven out
held up in last, not fluent 10th, closed 12th, outpaced 14th, hit 4 out, weakened next
tracked winner until 5th, struggling from 13th, pecked 4 out, weakened next
Via Sundown has won a couple of handicaps at Lingfield recently but steps up in grade for this and Joshua Moore is unable to claim his allowance due to the prize money on offer. BLACK THUNDER had only two rivals to beat in a Grade 2 at Lingfield last month but was conceding weight to both and stayed on strongly to win going away. He looks a smart novice and should be too good for these. Corrin Wood hasn't done a lot wrong so far in winning at Bangor and Catterick but he was rated 17lb lower than the selection over hurdles so also has a bit to prove. Court Victory is starting off over fences at an elevated level and a two-year absence is also a worry.
Black Thunder (FR) 8-11fav (11-8) Tracked leader, effort 3 out, soon challenged, ridden to lead flat, ran on well final 100 yards, won at Lingfield 3m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Dec beating Shotgun Paddy (11-5) by 2 3/4l, 3 ran.
Corrin Wood (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Made all, clear to 4 out, pushed clear again before 2 out, stayed on well, very easily, won at Catterick 3m 1f (3) gd in Dec beating Dursey Sound (11-5) by 23l, 3 ran.
Via Sundown (FR) 3-1 (11-6) Held up in last pair in touch, headway 13th, challenged on outside 3 out, soon led, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec beating Shuil Royale (11-1) by 4l, 7 ran.
Court Victory (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Held up, stumbled badly on bend after 1st, closed from 12th, went 3rd 3 out, disputing 3 lengths 2nd when mistake 2 out, soon beaten, weakened last, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Frascati Park (11-8) at Warwick 3m nov chs (2) gs in Jan '12.
