behind most of way, outpaced 5 out, well held in 4th when fell 3 out
made most, headed briefly after 11th, ridden before 3 out, headed last, one pace and looked well held flat, rallied near finish, just failed
tracked front pair virtually throughout, outpaced 3 out, no chance after
raced wide, disputed lead to 8th, tracked leader, led briefly after 11th, with leader, led again last, ridden clear flat, just held on near finish
THREE WAYS is the only one of these that managed to complete last time and that second at Wetherby gives him every chance in this. Jamie Snowden’s charge does have a few pounds to find on these terms with Impulsive Star and the latter was still in contention when falling on his chasing bow over these fences last month. He should go well with a clear round but Just Minded and Billy Flight look up against it barring accidents.
Billy Flight (FR) 66-1 (11-2) Mid-division, lost place and struggling towards rear 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Impulsive Star (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Led, stumbled on landing side and fell 5 out, at Catterick 3m 1f (3) gs in Dec.
Just Minded (IRE) 13-8fav (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along briefly after 5th, pushed along before 3 out, weakened quickly soon after 3 out, pulled up before next, at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Three Ways 4-1 (11-2) Chased (clear) winner until 2nd, 2nd again 5th until 11th, went 2nd again 5 out, pushed along before 4 out, ridden and rallied 2 out, almost upsides when stumbled last, no extra run-in, 2nd of 4, 1 1/4l behind Captain Chaos (11-9) at Wetherby 3m (4) sft in Nov.
