made all, not fluent 4th, quickened on bit approaching 7th, pushed clear approaching 2 out, eased from last
prominent and pulled hard, ridden after 3 out, one pace from 2 out
prominent, lost place 7th, soon behind, pulled up after 3 out
held up in touch, headway on bit approaching 3 out, ridden and chased winner approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
prominent, chased leader 7th, ridden before 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, no impression
chased leader, ridden to hold place approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
Gungadu can prove an able deputy for Denman, with Art Virginia and Hill Forts Timmy likely to make a race of it. Paul Nicholls created history at the last meeting here, knocking his rivals for six, and although that total is unlikely to be reached again for a while at least, the Ditcheat maestro can get his day off to a good start with Gungadu. As mentioned, Denman was down to run in this, but the Cheltenham-bound novice misses out, with Gungadu stepping into the breach. Christian Williams has had his detractors over the past few weeks due to his inability to stay in the saddle, but that has been over fences, and it has to be said that he has looked more accomplished over the smaller obstacles, including on Gungadu at Cheltenham in December. Second that day to the very highly-rated Black Jack Ketchum in a Grade 2 contest, he meets nothing of that calibre here. Art Virginia finished third on his hurdles debut at Windsor and should be suited by the step up in trip, while Hill Forts Timmy was beaten by the selection's stablemate Raffaello here 12 days ago, so it is hard to see him causing a shock. Beau de Turgeon needs to show more than he has, and although Colin Tizzard has his string in good form, it is hard to get enthusiastic about Malaga Boy, so Gungadu rates a solid choice.
Gungadu 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, ridden when headed soon after last, not quicken, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Dec.
Malaga Boy (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) In touch, slightly hampered 2nd, stumbled badly and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Montgermont (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f beg chs (4) gs in Jan, 10 ran.
Art Virginia (FR) 10-3fav (11-0) In touch, ridden to press winner 3 out, kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Pedros Brief (11-0) at Windsor 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec.
Hill Forts Timmy 40-1 (11-4) Mid-division, some headway after 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, chased leaders last, kept on well close home, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Raffaello (11-10) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Liberty Ben (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, lost place approaching 6th, soon ridden, one pace after, 5th of 11, 17l behind Almah (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (E) sft in Jan '05.
See More Jock 100-1 (11-6) Always behind, hit 1st, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Ballyshan (11-6) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan, 15 ran.
Sommelier 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, effort approaching 9th, weakened 4 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Before Dark (11-5) at Hereford 3m 2f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
Red Granite 40-1 (10-12) Behind, mistake 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by What A Vintage (10-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (E) sft in Dec, 13 ran.
Beau de Turgeon (FR) 4-1 (11-7) Held up, hit 8th, weakened next, 7th of 14, 34l behind Supreme's Legacy (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f nh mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.
