tracked leaders, badly hampered and unseated rider 7th
in touch, pecked 10th bechers, ridden 15th, weakened before 2 out
held up, pecked 10th bechers, ridden 3 out, kept on one-paced from last
mid-division until fell 10th bechers
mid-division, improved to track leaders 5th, pushed along 15th, weakened approaching last
held up in touch until fell 9th
mid-division, pushed along 13th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, hampered 11th, headway 13th, led on bit 3 out, edged left and hit last, driven out falt
led 1st, tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, hit last, hard ridden and kept on flat
held up, headway 11th, with leaders 13th, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened last
towards rear, hampered 1st and 10th bechers, pushed along 11th, hit 12th canal turn, mistake 14th, behind when pulled up before last
soon prominent, with leader 5th, led 9th, headed and fell 11th
always struggling in rear, well behind when fell 14th
always behind, pushed along 5th, pulled up before 10th bechers
always behind, pulled up before 15th
prominent until fell 10th bechers
mid-division, improved 4th, led 11th, joined 13th, headed, blundered and unseated rider 16th
mid-division, badly hampered and unseated rider 10th bechers
led 2nd, headed 9th, remained prominent, ridden 2 out, kept on one-paced flat
The Outback Way (IRE) Smart handicapper who's been given a chance at the weights after a couple of stiff tasks against in-form rivals; cannot be discounted despite topweight.
Flying Instructor Has kept company with the best in his time and this grand campaigner showed he was right back on form with a game Haydock success latest; has run well on the Mildmay course in the past and with a clear round could be the one to beat here.
Bindaree (IRE) Has faced some stiff tasks over three miles of late and this company may be more to his liking; likely to give supporters a good run for their money.
Tremallt (IRE) Decent handicapper but takes the odd liberty with his fences and wouldn't be the safest conveyance around here; others are preferred.
Imperial de Thaix (FR) Poor effort last time but had previously been in good form; shrewd connections must always be respected.
Storm Damage (IRE) Trip no problem, will handle the ground and comes into the race in great form; sure to be there or thereabouts.
Red Ark Won at this meeting last year but tackles the big obstacles for the first time; stable are shrewd placers of their horses and he has been brought along steadily for this target this season.
Royal Predica (FR) Got no further than the 1st fence in last year's National and has been out of form of late; hard to fancy.
Gower-Slave Fair handicapper who stays and basically jumps well; not out of it and has each-way chance today.
Goguenard (FR) Decent ex-French race who ran well behind Flying Instructor latest; should have come on for that and will have plenty of supporters.
Extra Jack (FR) Absent since dismal effort in November and hard to enthuse over.
Iris Bleu (FR) Stepping up in trip here today but would need to show tremendous improvement on form shown so far to be in the shake up.
Superior Risk (IRE) Heavily penalised for modest Plumpton success and looks to be in the grip of the handicapper.
Montroe (IRE) Out and out stayer likely to find this all happening a bit too quick for him.
Delaware (FR) Big step up from last time out novice chase success; open to improvement but this is a tough assignment.
Arlequin De Sou (FR) Not in the best of form at present and others make far more appeal under today's conditions.
Mouse Bird (IRE) In great form of late and no forlorn hope to complete a hat-trick; each way possible.
Specialize Doesn't look particularly well handicapped but the trip should suit; stable in good form throughout the winter.
Kings Cherry (IRE) Runner-up to Northern Starlight at 100/1 in this event last year; doesn't come into this race in the best form, but runs off a lower mark than last year and these fences seem to bring out the best in him.
Nosam Down the field in this event last year and looks to have it all to do once again.
Skillwise Fair northern handicapper but doesn't appeal as one to take a chance on here.
Gayles And Showers (IRE) Has a good win to run ratio and always gives of his best; should give his sporting connections a good run for their money.
Scotmail Boy (IRE) Plodder who will be unable to go the pace; might pass a few near the finish though.
Rovestar Badly out of form and impossible to make a case for.
Pennybridge (IRE) Has come back quite well after long absence last season but this looks a bit beyond him in the twilight of his career.
Major Sponsor (IRE) Looks too high in the weights at present and doesn't appeal as the sort to pop up here.
Catfish Keith (IRE) On the upgrade and has run well most starts this term; will stay well and should handle the ground without a problem; fair chance.
Galapiat du Mesnil (FR) Sketchy jumper who may be found out by today's obstacles.
Monnaie Forte (IRE) Has had breathing problems and pulled up last time out; difficult to get too enthusiastic about.
Donnybrook (IRE) Decent performer on his day but has struggled so far this term; however, this change of scene could be the making of him and he is well handicapped.
