led, ridden and headed before last, no extra
tracked leaders in 3rd and in rear, ridden and every chance before last, kept on and held run-in
tracked leader, ridden to lead before last, kept on well run-in
Nonrunner
VOLNAY DE THAIX progressed from winning handicaps over hurdles to be placed in Grade 1 and Grade 2 races last season. He could be a very smart recruit to chasing and should have too much for his three rivals here if his jumping is up to scratch. Katgary has a penalty for winning at Fakenham but was another useful hurdler on his day and will likely to the one to take advantage if Nicky Henderson's charge slips up. Pine Creek was only beaten half-a-length on his chasing bow at Leicester and is open to improvement but Special Catch is best watched until showing he retains all of his ability.
Katgary (FR) 9-4fav (11-3) With leader until led 8th, 4 lengths clear 2 out, ridden out, won at Fakenham 2m 5f (3) gd in Oct beating Minella Forfitness (11-8) by 7l, 5 ran.
Pine Creek 4-1 (11-0) In rear and in touch, left 2nd after 5 out, chance last, ridden run-in, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Red Spinner (11-0) at Leicester 2m (3) gf in Nov.
Volnay De Thaix (FR) 8-1 (11-7) Led, pushed along before 3 out, headed before last, soon beaten, left 3rd after last, kept on and held for 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 14 1/2l behind Jezki (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
Special Catch (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 8th, no extra 3 out, 6th when pulled up before next, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
