A competitive race in which Turpin Green is narrowly preferred to Julius Caesar and Lordofourown. Trainer Nicky Richards blamed himself for Turpin Green's lastest defeat as he was running him too quickly after a victory at Cartmel. However, punters are advised that Rebel Rhythm did nothing to advertise the form a week last Saturday. On his hurdling form - he is the percentage call but we shall just await the market to confirm our impressions. Julius Caesar is gutsy although his jumping is indifferent to say the least. He appears to act on any surface and has doubtless been extensively schooled since his recent flop at Wetherby. Lordofourown was worn down by Missed That on his most recent start in Ireland. If he stays the trip, his 8lb allowance from Turpin Green has to underline him as a player. Great As Gold was a fair hurdler on his day. He never threatened to upset Iron Man at Carlisle and would need to show improved form to take a hand in this race. Winning pointer, Uncle Neil and Moonzie Lord are difficult to enthuse about. Turpin Green is selected in a fascinating affair.
Turpin Green (IRE) 1-2fav (11-10) Held up in touch, hit 6th, not fluent 10th, went 2nd 12th, ridden and outpaced after 2 out, edged left and one pace flat, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Mel In Blue (10-7) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (C) gs in Dec.
Julius Caesar 2-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, mistakes, lost place from 12th, headway after 5 out, left 2nd 4 out, one pace, no impression, 2nd of 5, 12l behind Leading Man (11-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs (B) hvy in Dec.
Great As Gold (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 2 out, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Iron Man (10-7) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) hvy.
Lordofourown (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, improved into 2nd 4 out, led next, ridden and strongly pressed after 2 out, headed after last, kept on, 2nd of 16, 2l behind Missed That (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f beg chs sft in Dec.
Moonzie Laird (IRE) 200-1 (10-8) Mid-division, dropped to rear halfway, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out pulled up 3 out in race won by Ballyfitz (10-11) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Nov, 17 ran.
Uncle Neil (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) Led, hit 13th, headed next, still close up when blundered 3 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Lord Beau (11-7) at Stratford 3m 4f nov hts chs (H) gd in May, 16 ran.
