mid-division, hampered 10th, weakened 13th, pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, fell 10th
in touch, ridden 6th, pulled up before 10th
mid-division, headway 11th, left 2nd 4 out, ridden and weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
made all, left clear 4 out, unchallenged
towards rear, ridden and weakened after 11th, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, headway approaching 13th to chase leader, every chance when fell 4 out
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 12th, stayed on from 3 out, went distant 2nd close home
always behind, tailed off 12th, soon pulled up
prominent, ridden 4 out, went distant 2nd 4 out, weakened flat
It may just be worth taking a chance with GENTLEMAN JIMMY with Kew Jumper a more solid option. Alan King has failed to get a win out of this horse since inheriting him from Hughie Morrison and he hasn't won since taking two of his first four starts. He has, however, run some decent races in defeat in that period and clearly has a good bit of ability. The handicapper has given him a real chance and it may be worth taking a chance with Gentleman Jimmy if the price is right. Kew Jumper was a shade disappointing at Ascot but has been given a break and is one of those most likely to run his race. Nothing came to light following Tarotino's poor run here last time and it remains to be seen if he can get back with Triggernometry another that never lived up to his initial promise. Cousin Nicky isn't easy to catch right, Idris may not want the ground too soft, Kosmos Bleu and Le Burf are high enough in the weights whilst Pipo De Re moves straight into handicap company for his chase debut and is on a decent mark so he's well worth watching closely. It wouldn't surprise us to see any one of half a dozen win this but we'll chance Gentleman Jimmy.
Tarotino (FR) Evensjt-fav (11-0) Chased leader, led 4th to approaching 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 27l behind Lightning Strike (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Cousin Nicky 33-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, mistake 8th, led 13th, mistake 4 out, stumbled 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, faded from last, 7th of 16, 11l behind Saunders Road (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Kosmos Bleu (FR) 12-1 (11-5) In touch, ridden 4th, weakened 3 out, 8th of 15, well behind Aux Le Bahnn (11-8) at Sandown 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Nov.
Kew Jumper (IRE) 15-8fav (11-0) Chased leaders, blundered 3rd, hit 3 out, ridden to dispute 2nd from 2 out until no extra after last, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Alphabetical (11-9) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Le Burf (FR) 14-1 (11-11) In touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 14, 32l behind Victorias Groom (11-10) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Dec.
Gentleman Jimmy 8-1 (11-0) In touch, jumped slowly and ridden 9th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 9, 19l behind Officier De Reserve (11-7) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Dec '07.
Pipo De Re (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, hit 3 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 5th of 16, 3l behind Barnhill Brownie (11-12) at Ascot 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Triggernometry 9-1 (11-12) In touch, lost place after 10th, closing when blundered 4 out, 4th and weakening when blundered 2 out, 4th of 9, 30l behind Classic Role (11-12) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Massini Sunset (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway 11th, ridden after 4 out, not pace to get on terms, 8th of 16, 12l behind Saunders Road (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Terrible Tenant 25-1 (11-2) Hit 1st, chased leaders until weakened 8th, 7th of 11, well behind Charming Oscar (10-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Idris (GER) 12-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 10th, ridden approaching 2 out, hit last, no extra, 4th of 8, 11l behind Pretty Star (10-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
