tracked leader, led 3rd, headed 6th, ridden before 2 out, one pace from last
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd from 3rd, led 6th, blundered 7th, not fluent 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on
in touch in 4th, reminder before and blundered 3rd, pushed along before 5th, lost place 7th, kept on from 2 out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd, pushed along before 7th, soon outpaced
in rear, struggling from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 3rd, tracked leading pair, weakened from 3 out, pecked 2 out
Ultimate scored on the Flat in September before making a winning debut over fences at Huntingdon. He's since run well in the Greatwood Hurdle but his jumping went to pieces in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown. Nicky Henderson had five entries at the early stage and relies on SKINT, who makes his chasing debut after costing 100,000gns at the sales in April. He's out of a half-sister to a Grand National winner so this should be his game and he can make a winning start. Silver Gypsy did well over hurdles and went to Fontwell for her chasing debut as an odds-on chance. She had no answer to Rith Bob that day but the experience should have done her good. Spear Thistle has won five times over timber but hasn't shown much in three starts over fences and Laughing Game looks outclassed.
Ultimate 20-1 (11-2) Tracked leading pair to before 3rd, soon lost place, 6th when blundered 9th, no danger after, 6th of 7, 33l behind Al Ferof (11-2) at Sandown 2m nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) gs.
Skint 10-1 (10-12) Mid-division on inside, smooth headway to 3rd after 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, led 2 out, driven 1 length ahead last, held on gamely close home, all out, won at Sandown 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4-7yo) (1) gd in Mar beating Mic's Delight (11-0) by ns, 17 ran.
Spear Thistle 14-1 (11-12) Led until 3rd, chased leaders until stayed on same pace after 3 out, 6th of 12, 13l behind Pateese (11-5) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Nov.
Wilde Rebel (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Selection Box (11-6) at Down Royal 2m 6f hcp hdl 80-102 sft in Nov, 20 ran.
Laughing Game 50-1 (10-6) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4th, mistake and weakened 4 out, tailed off, 10th of 17, 32l behind Mac Beattie (11-3) at Warwick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in Nov.
Silver Gypsy (IRE) 8-15fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 3rd, hit next, not fluent and reminder after 9th, clear after 11th, slow next, pushed along before 3 out, ridden after 3 out, headed 2 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 3, 18l behind Rith Bob (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (5) hvy in Nov.