disputed lead, led narrowly 7th, jumped into clear lead 10th, not fluent 4 out, joined last, headed and outpaced flat
tracked leaders, moved into 2nd before 4 out, close up 2 out, upsides last, led flat, ran on strongly
held up in rear, moved into modest 3rd 4 out, ridden and one pace from 3 out
disputed lead, headed narrowly 7th, ridden and dropped towards rear 4 out, well adrift when fell 2 out
THE BIG BREAKAWAY is held in high regard and is hard to oppose. He landed the odds with the minimum of fuss at Cheltenham on his chasing debut with a fluent display of jumping and Colin Tizzard’s charge looks to have a big future over the larger obstacles with entries in Grade 1 novice chases at the festival. Bold Plan was less impressive on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter but is still well clear on these terms of both Firenzo and Gibb Hill and should chase home the likely short-priced favourite barring accidents.
The Big Breakaway (IRE) 4-9fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 8th, headed and briefly raced lazily before 12th, soon led again, readily drew clear flat, won at Cheltenham 3m (2) sft in Nov beating Doc Penfro (11-0) by 10l, 5 ran.
Bold Plan (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Towards rear, slow 2nd, slightly closer 5 out, pushed along and outpaced 4 out, never nearer, 5th of 8, 12 1/4l behind Gumball (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) sft in Oct.
Firenzo (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakened before 4 out, tailed off, 8th of 12, dist behind Ruby Yeats (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Gibb Hill 250-1 (11-2) Towards rear, travelled keenly early stages, not fluent 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th, weakened 4 out, never nearer, last of 6, dist behind Fiddlerontheroof (11-2) at Exeter 2m 3f (3) gs in Nov.
