held up, headway approaching 6 out, went 2nd next, hit 4 out, every chance 2 out, not quicken
led, headed 6 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 4 out
held up, headway when hit 6 out, 5 length down in 3rd when blundered badly 3 out, one pace
tracked leaders, lost place 6 out, tailed off when pulled up before last, dismounted
held up, headway approaching 6 out, weakened from 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, never dangerous
held up, tracked leaders after 8th, led 6 out, ridden and under pressure 2 out, kept on well from last
chased leader, fell 2nd
Silver Jack may be the answer to this puzzle with Villon and Akilak looking the most obvious dangers on paper. The selection has uninspiring form figures but it is worth noting that they have obtained in much better races than this. He has a fair record at this course and could profit for other's frailities. Villon makes a reappearance after a sizeable absence from the racecourse. He looked useful before it and it remains to be seen as to whether he can do himself justice first time up. Akilak made hard work of accounting for Stagecoach Diamond at Carlisle. He does have ability although probably has a couple of ideas about the game. Lampion Du Bost needs to front run else the teddies are thrown out. First Look has ability although can make the odd fencing error. A fascinating event and Silver Jack is put forward as our pick.
Villon (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Held up, smooth headway after 7th, led approaching 2 out, ran on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (E) hvy in Dec '05 beating Roman Ark (11-0) by 6l, 10 ran.
Silver Jack (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (10-13) Towards rear, struggling 8th, tailed off when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Patricksnineteenth (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Akilak (IRE) 6-4fav (11-1) Held up mid-division, ridden along approaching 3 out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov beating Stagecoach Diamond (11-1) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
King Of The Arctic (IRE) 22-1 (11-12) Prominent, outpaced from 12th, tailed off, last of 5, well behind Lampion Du Bost (10-10) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec.
First Look (FR) 7-4fav (11-5) Led, mistake 4 out, headed next, no extra from 2 out, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Lampion Du Bost (10-10) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Dec.
Lampion du Bost (FR) 13-2 (10-0) Held up in touch, ridden to go prominent 10th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 11, 24l behind Cloudy Lane (11-3) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.
Master Sebastian 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, effort 12th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, 21l behind Rayshan (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Posh Stick 28-1 (10-12) Held up, behind when fell at the 6th in race won by Lago (10-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f amt hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Nov, 17 ran.
