led, mistake 6th and rider lost irons, headed after next, weakened after 3 out
held up, in touch, headway to chase leaders 4 out, close 2nd and every chance when fell 3 out
held up, in touch, led after 7th, ridden and challenged approaching 3 out, kept on from last
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on from next
held up, in rear, ridden approaching 4 out, headway next, stayed on from 2 out
held up, weakened after 5 out, pulled up before next
chased leader, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
Jefertiti can land this for the second year running, with Encore Cadoudal, Jallastep and Polyphon all making for a close contest. Jefertiti made most of the running to beat Polyphon by two lengths in this race last year, and now meets that rival on six-pound better terms, so should have his measure again. Lucinda Russell's gelding lines up on a pound lower mark than 12 months ago,and has ground conditions to suit so should take the beating, with race-fitness to count on as well. Encore Cadoudal will need to brush up his jumping and has his first outing since May, but even so makes most appeal of the remainder along with Jallastep who should at least benefit from this drop back in trip after finishing fourth behind Fair Prospect at Aintree in October. All in all, Jefertiti has a sound chance of following up last year's success and gets the vote.
Jericho III (FR) 14-1 (10-7) With leader when saddle slipped and pulled up at the 2nd in race won by Provocative (11-9) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-135 (C) sft in Oct, 10 ran.
Do L'Enfant d'Eau (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Held up, ridden after 10th, no further impression from 4 out, 5th of 9, 24l behind Fool On The Hill (11-9) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Apr.
Encore Cadoudal (FR) 9-4 (11-12) Held up, blundered 5th, headway 4 out, effort when hit 2 out, ridden to go 2nd last, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 17l behind Ashnaya (10-2) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in May.
Polyphon (FR) 7-2fav (10-3) Behind, ridden 2 out, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 28l behind Lofty Leader (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf in Oct.
Hollows Mill 33-1 (9-13) Mid-division, pushed along 3 out, ridden and no impression from next, 6th of 13, 29l behind Rising Generation (11-9) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Oct.
Jallastep (FR) 10-1 (10-6) Behind, outpaced 10th, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one pace, 4th of 10, 14l behind Fair Prospect (11-12) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gs in Oct.
Jefertiti (FR) 11-4fav (10-1) Tracked leader, driven and effort 2 out, ridden and weakened after last, 4th of 7, 12l behind Wet Lips (11-5) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf in Oct.
