in touch, ridden after 14th, lost touch after next, pulled up before 2 out
in touch, pressed when approaching 4 out, soon ridden, every chance 2 out, no extra
held up, hit 5th, weakened 13th, pulled up before 15th
tracked leader, led briefly 8th, led again 4 out, ridden approaching last, driven out
led, mistake and headed briefly 7th, pecked 11th, driven along approaching next, headed 4 out, kept on
tracked leaders, close 4th and ridden when mistake 3 out, kept on run-in
A cracking novice chase and we will take a chance with Lough Derg, Lord Killeshanra and Reflected Glory must also have strong claims. Lough Derg was a welcome winner for the Pipe yard after a lean spell, when easily taking a novice event here over a slightly shorter trip. He didn't beat much on that occasion but did it in good style, and this tough youngster should improve with the experience and looks the best option this afternoon. Lord Killeshanra is obviously a model of consistency and ran up to form last time out when chasing home subsequent winner The Listener. As usual he should be there or thereabouts. Reflected Glory gained a deserved victory here last time when winning a handicap off a mark of 120. He has a bit to find with Lord Killeshanra on previous form, but is certainly going the right way. Idle Talk and Amicelli are from top yards and add even more interest to a fascinating event and Lough Derg is the one we will select.
Lord Killeshanra (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) In touch, effort 4 out, stayed on to go 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 13l behind The Listener (11-10) at Windsor 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Dec.
Reflected Glory (IRE) 7-2fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, drew clear from 3 out, stayed on, won at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs in Dec beating Wain Mountain (11-10) by 6l, 10 ran.
Cruising River (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Led to 7th, led 8th, shaken up 3 out, clear 2 out, driven out from last, won at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (D) gd in Dec beating Quid Pro Quo (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Idle Talk (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) Led 2nd to 4th, led 9th to 12th, chased leader until led 3 out, stayed on strongly from last, won at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (D) gd in Nov beating Lord Killeshanra (11-0) by 6l, 14 ran.
Lough Derg (FR) 9-4fav (11-6) Always prominent, led 12th, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (D) gs in Dec beating Tighten Your Belt (11-6) by 6l, 14 ran.
Amicelli (GER) 10-1 (11-7) Led, hit 1st, headed 8th, led again 10th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 6, 26l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Dec.
