prominent, outpaced from 12th
mistakes, outpaced from 11th
tracked leader until outpaced approaching 5 out, kept on to go 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
led, mistake 4 out, headed next, no extra from 2 out
prominent, led 3 out, clear from last
This is likely to be a tactical affair, so Edmo Yewkay is only a tentative choice, as both First Look and The Reverend are very capable of landing a race of this nature, while Lampion Du Bost is also respected but has a 7lb penalty to carry for winning the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree 10 days ago. That effort will almost certainly ensure Jim Goldie's charge is a popular choice in the betting. However, he is not noted for consistency and it would be a risky ploy to just assume he will run the same sort of race. The Reverend lost his way a touch last year and has yet to really fulfil his potential. Still, he is not without ability and has to be on the shortlist in this company. First look ran a blinder when second here nine days ago and can never be overlooked in races of this nature. He is on an attractive mark just now and a return to winning ways would not come out of turn. However, Edmo Yewkay makes a touch more appeal as he still has a bit more scope for improvement. Tim Easterby's gelding has a very consistent record over fences and, as he is likely to have the race run to suit, Edmo Yewkay looks the best betting proposition in a very tricky contest to get to grips with.
King Of The Arctic (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Mid-division, ridden and weakend from 4 out, 6th of 11, 21l behind Mighty Fine (11-9) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Jul.
The Reverend (IRE) 10-3 (11-5) In rear, headway 12th, in 3rd when blundered 15th and 3 out, weakened last, 3rd of 7, 21l behind Kerry Lads (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Edmo Yewkay (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Towards rear, headway approaching 5 out, no impression, 4th of 13, 4l behind Roman Ark (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
First Look (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Chased winner throughout, ridden approaching 2 out, not fluent last, no extra, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Endless Power (11-9) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Nov.
Lampion du Bost (FR) 66-1 (9-11) In touch, led 4 out, ridden after last, stayed on well flat, won at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov beating Jimmy Bond (10-8) by 8l, 22 ran.