led until 2nd, tracked leader, mistake 7th, hit 13th and ridden, lost place before 18th, soon behind, pulled up before 2 out
jumped well, led 2nd, clear before 2 out, easily
chased leaders, jumped slowly at several fences until closed 10th, hit 15th, went 2nd 17th, mistake next, no impression on winner when losing 2nd after 2 out, weakened
chased leaders, mistake and last 16th, mistake next, rallied when mistake 4 out, one pace 3 out, no extra next
tracked leaders, 2nd 16th until next, struggling when mistake 4 out, pecked 3 out, rallied and went 2nd after 2 out, no chance with winner
SOUTHFIELD THEATRE (NAP) was more like his old self when third here last month. Dropped 3lb since, Paul Nicholls’ gelding should be good enough to give weight to his four rivals. Vyta Du Roc is only 2lb higher than when second in a Grade 3 last April so looks the danger, though only beat one home in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury last month. Ballymalin was well adrift when refusing at Haydock last time and Russe Blanc and Lamb Or Cod also have a bit to prove at present.
Southfield Theatre (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Not always fluent, led, headed when mistake 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Robinsfirth (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (1) sft in Dec.
Vyta Du Roc (FR) 10-1 (10-1) Held up towards rear, never involved, 11th of 20, dist behind Total Recall (10-8) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (1) gs in Dec.
Ballymalin (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Not fluent, chased leaders, reminders after 9th, ridden after 5 out, weakened and pulled up approaching next, at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (2) hvy in Nov.
Russe Blanc (FR) 10-3 (11-6) Held up behind, hampered 9th, blundered and unseated rider 15th, at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Lamb Or Cod (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Mistake 10th, always behind, tailed off, 11th of 15, dist behind What A Moment (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
