prominent, mistake 3rd, chased leaders from 6th, mistake 9th, ridden after 13th, weakened 16th, tailed off
prominent until 6th, gradually lost place from 11th, behind 16th, tailed off
prominent, led 7th, until after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
held up, slipped badly and immediately pulled up after 8th
led 2nd until 7th, pecked 12th, outpaced after 16th, stayed on well from last, took 2nd close home, no chance with winner
mistakes, held up, hit 3rd and 8th, tailed off when blundered 14th, and immediatley pulled up
held up in touch, mistake 3rd, headway after 3 out, blundered next, went 2nd approaching last, kept on, lost 2nd close home
always behind, tailed off from 12th
always going well in touch, joined leader 14th, led after 3 out, drew clear next, impressive
Therealbandit can make a winning start to his chasing career against a host of potentially useful animals including Rosslea, Whereareyounow and Chicago Bulls. Therealbandit has been cleaning up over hurdles, reeling off four on the trot this season, the latest of which came over over the course and distance at the Paddy Power meeting in October. Sent off favourite on each occasion, he has yet to disappoint, but with the handicapper raising him another 10lb, the time has come to go chasing. He has schooled exceptionally well by all accounts and is expected to keep up his impressive run. Rosslea has time on his side and is to be aimed at the Sun Alliance Chase by Henrietta Knight who was not in the least surprised by his chase debut victory at Bangor. He looks the one to give the selection most to do, with Whereareyounow, Chicago Bulls and Punchy best of the rest. For the winner we have to go for Therealbandit.