in 3rd place after 4th, same position at 11th, went 2nd on long run before 4 out until ridden in 3rd approaching 4 out, 3rd and well held run-in
chased clear leader, lost 2nd on long run before 4 out, soon ridden and weakened in 4th
always last, struggling 10th, tailed off next
held up in 4th place, closer and challenging in 2nd approaching 4 out, in front run-in, eased towards finish ( limited comments due to very poor visibility
in clear lead after 4th, still well ahead at 11th, reduced lead and looked to be joined 4 out, 2nd and well held run-in
Mr Clarkson won twice over hurdles in the summer but faces no easy task on his chasing bow after a break. Darling Maltaix needs holding up and may struggle to find cover in this small field, though is probably better than he’s shown so far. Darlac has placed twice over fences but didn’t look like winning on either occasion while Musical Slave has shown little aptitude for chasing so far. AS I SEE IT probably needs a bit further but, as a former pointer, will likely relish the switch to fences and has already won around here over timber this season.
Mr Clarkson (IRE) 3-1fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced on long run between last 2, ridden after last, weakened flat, 5th of 8, 15 1/2l behind Dr Robin (10-0) at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (2) gs in Aug.
Darlac (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Led, headed approaching 4 out, not fluent 2 out, kept on and every chance when mistake last, readily outpaced by front pair flat, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Earlofthecotswolds (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f (2) sft in Dec.
As I See It 10-1 (11-5) Towards rear when fell 4 out, at Newbury 3m hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Musical Slave (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, beaten 5 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Baddesley Knight (11-6) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Darling Maltaix (FR) 6-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway when short of room after 2 out, never on terms, 5th of 8, 16 1/2l behind Pym (11-13) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
