led, hit 1st, headed 8th, led again 10th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, headway 10th, led soon after last, comfortably
keen, tracked leader, led 8th, mistake and headed 10th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, mistake 2nd, effort approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, ridden when headed soon after last, not quicken
held up, headway and mistake 9th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
Black Jack Ketchum can continue his rise to the top by remaining unbeaten, with Amicelli and Gungadu seen as the dangers. Jonjo O'Neill won this race three years ago with Iris's Gift, and it is hoped at Jackdaws Castle that Black Jack Ketchum will one day turn into a leading stayer as well. He has progressed through the bumper ranks to make his mark over hurdles, beating little at Uttoxeter but then stamping his mark when beating a good field here last month. The runner-up Powerstation has since won a Grade 2 contest at Navan, while the fourth home Neptune Collonges went on to underline the merits of the form by himself landing a Grade 2 at Sandown. The further step up in trip will suit the selection, and he is the one to beat. Amicelli has done nothing wrong since joining Philip Hobbs and is sure to go well, while Gungadu absolutely bolted up at Chepstow last time and as that was only his second ever race, he has a bright future as well. Rimsky finished stone last in Grade 2 company here last time but will surely fare better over this trip and may play a part. The winner just has to Black Jack Ketchum though.
Amicelli (GER) 13-2 (10-9) Chased leaders, led 6th, strongly pressed 2 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 13, 3l behind The Market Man (11-10) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gd in Nov.
Black Jack Ketchum (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) In touch and always going well, headway after 6f, ridden clear soon after 2f out, in command when stumbled last, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gs in Nov beating Powerstation (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 18 ran.
Rimsky (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up, in rear, struggling 5th, mistake 3 out, last of 10, 46l behind Boychuk (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Nov.
Contact Dancer (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Always prominent, 2nd from before 2 out, soon challenged under pressure, no impression and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Fivestar Alstars (11-9) at Limerick 2m mdn hdl hvy in Nov.
Gungadu 1-5fav (10-12) Soon tracked leader, led on bit after 7th, clear 3 out, very easily, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov beating Wellpict One (10-12) by 21l, 9 ran.
Mister Quasimodo 6-4fav (10-12) Held up, headway 7th, led after 3 out, kept on well, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov beating Kildonnan (10-12) by 2l, 11 ran.
