held up in mid-division, headway 10th, led after 2 out, ran on well
in touch, headway 10th, effort and chance 2 out, one pace under pressure
led, ridden and headed after 2 out, 3rd and beaten when fell last
mistakes, tracked leaders, blundered 5 out, weakened next
held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, fell 9th
held up towards rear, pushed along 5 out, no impression when left 3rd last
mistakes, tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, weakening when blundered next
Temple Dog gets the vote here ahead of Giocomo and The Nomad. The selection seemed to have got his act together last time in what was, admittedly, a weak novice chase at Uttoxeter. However, with his confidence restored, this former decent hurdler can score here. Giocomo achieved a rating of 128 over hurdles, much the best of these runners, when he was with Jonjo O'Neill. He won a falsely-run race for his new connections on his chasing debut but unseated next time. However, on natural ability alone, he has to be high on the shortlist of possibles for this contest. Silk Trader won a two-horse novice chase at Doncaster in December but did not come across as the most-natural of jumpers that day. The Nomad won four times over hurdles and has done enough so far to suggest he is up to winning a novice event. To us, these look to be the principals, with Temple Dog getting the vote.
