made all, ridden and rallied before 2 out, jumped last fence well, won easily
held up, mistake 3rd fence, blundered 4th fence, rider lost irons and pulled up
tracked leader, mistake 3 out, ridden and outpaced before 2 out, blundered 2 out, made no impression
MINELLA TRUMP is worth sticking with at this level until beaten. He had no trouble landing a six-timer on his latest outing at Sandown and can set his own pace at the head of affairs if necessary. Baron De Midleton is creeping closer still looking for his first win over fences and was narrowly beaten at Sedgefield last time though has something to find on these terms with both the selection and Ask Paddington. The latter making his debut over fences having recently switched yards.
Minella Trump (IRE) 6-5fav (11-8) Mostly chased leader, led before 2 out, clear flat, ridden out, won at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Nov beating Mahler's Promise (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Ask Paddington (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Close up, pushed along and dropped to rear 4 out, ridden and rallied approaching last, 4th of 8, 8l behind Iolani (10-6) at Kelso 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Sep.
Baron De Midleton (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Close up, led before omitted 2 out, shaken up and joined last, outjumped rival and went a length up run-in, ridden out, stayed on but headed on line, 2nd of 10, nk behind Cooper's Cross (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
