jumped well, chased leader, led 10th, clear 2 out, easily
chased leaders, went 2nd 11th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon beaten
behind, headway 8th, weakened after 10th, behind when jumped left 3 out, blundred 2 out
led to 10th, weakened 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch to 10th, soon weakened, took poor 3rd 3 out
Knowhere is preferred to Steppes of Gold. Knowhere won impressively at Perth after a long absence and while talks of Cheltenham and Aintree are somewhat premature, that was a solid run and this run should continue his education over the larger obstacles. Steppes of Gold has proved very frustrating to follow and is not one to trust implicitly. A fair traveller in his races, he does not appear to be the most hearty of battlers in a finish and connections have opted to resort to first time blinkers. Gunville's successes have come between the points so the market is watched on introduction under rules. Clockers Corner has been well beaten in National Hunt Flat races while Rowan Lodge looks difficult to make a case for. Knowhere is an obvious selection and he will be priced accordingly.
Knowhere (IRE) 2-1fav (10-10) In touch, led 8th, made rest, drew clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Sept beating Brooklyn Brownie (11-2) by 23l, 7 ran.
Steppes of Gold (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) Held up, headway 4 out, 3 lengths down in 3rd when mistake 2 out, soon beaten, hit last, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Openide (10-11) at Stratford 2m 7f nov chs (3) gf in Sept.
Clockers Corner (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Chased leader, led 2nd, headed 5th, led briefly 9th, weakened 4 out, left poor 3rd 3 out, 3rd of 6, well behind Amicelli (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov chs (2) gd in Sept.
Gunville 13-2 (12-0) Made all; just held on, won at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd in May beating Simon's Seat (12-0) by 1l, 8 ran.
Rowan Castle 100-1 (11-7) Led to 7th, lost place next, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Rathowen (11-7) at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 8 ran.
