jumped left throughout, chased leaders until 6th, gradually faded, pulled up before 4 out
led 2nd, awkward and headed 6th, chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened next
led until 2nd, chased leader, ridden and weakened 8th
keen, held up, headway to lead 7th, mistake 9th, ridden and headed when mistake 2 out, weakened
mistakes, held up, headway and mistake 4 out, ridden after 3 out, 3rd and held when blundered last
held up, good headway 4 out, led approaching 2 out, soon in command, hit last, comfortably
mid-division, effort 3 out, soon beaten
lost touch 4th, always behind
chased leaders, led 6th until next, chased leader, ridden after 3 out, every chance next, soon held
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
A tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Tidal Fury, Jericho and Lord Henry and the tentative nomination is given to Tidal Fury. The selection won well last time out and was a fair ninth behind My Way De Solzen last season. This looks easier and under conditions that suit despite his big weight he is taken to win again. Jericho rates the main danger as he was improving towards the end of last season but he usually comes on for his first run of the season so he is taken on with this in mind. Lord Henry looks well weighted on his best form but he has failed to complete the course in two of his last three starts so can not be put forward with much confidence. The Wicketkeeper has won his last two starts but this looks tougher and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Figaro du Rocher has dropped to a handy mark and now he has fast ground he could go well at a price while Charlton Kings may need the run after a 301 day break and for the winner we return to Tidal Fury.
Tidal Fury (IRE) (10-12) Made all, stayed on strongly, won at Auteuil 2m3f110y hdl hvy in Sept beating Mitchelo (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Demi Beau 14-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out, 16th of 23, 28l behind Leslingtaylor (9-11) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in May.
Jericho III (FR) 13-8fav (10-11) Led 1st, chased leader, led again 5th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, close up when clipped heels and fell bend over 2 out fell 2 out in race won by Festive Chimes (11-2) at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
Lord Henry (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) fell at the 2nd in race won by Hoo La Baloo (10-9) at Kempton 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct, 7 ran.
Bleu Superbe (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Close up when fell at the 2nd in race won by Kilmackilloge (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
The Wicketkeeper (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) In touch, headway 6th, led approaching 3 out, soon clear, ran on well, won at Hereford 2m nov chs (4) gf in Oct beating Star Shot (11-2) by 9l, 9 ran.
Rookery Lad 5-1 (11-7) With leader, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 5th of 9, 23l behind Jacaranda (11-6) at Stratford 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Aug '06.
Figaro du Rocher (FR) 25-1 (10-0) Chased leaders until outpaced and driven 5th, soon lost place, tailed off, 6th of 7, 36l behind Hoo La Baloo (10-9) at Kempton 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct.
Charlton Kings (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) Led until 7th, pressed winner, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner from next, 2nd of 6, 18l behind Bohemian Spirit (10-9) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Jan.
Smoke Trail (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Behind from 8th, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Rapide Plaisir (11-2) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept.
