Reserve Tank, surprisingly turned over in Grade 2 company at Newbury in late-November, now seeks to re-establish himself as one of our better novice chasers. He's not going to have things his own way though with the likes of Nicky Henderson's promising Champagne Mystery in opposition as well as Paul Nicholls' MASTER TOMMYTUCKER. It is obviously a concern that the latter has fallen on two of his three starts over fences but he jumped well until falling in the lead in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He is clearly well regarded at Ditcheat and is likely to go close if completing a clear round. The consistent Tidal Flow is also respected.
Reserve Tank (IRE) 1-2fav (11-7) Jumped left and never fluent, led, mistake 7th, jumped slowly 11th, headed after 13th, chased leader, ridden before 3 out where every chance, chased winner 2 out, ridden and one pace run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 4l behind Danny Whizzbang (11-2) at Newbury 2m 7f (1) gs in Nov.
Champagne Mystery (IRE) 7-4 (11-5) Took keen hold, led, headed before 3 out, not fluent 2 out, well held last, 2nd of 4, 7l behind Dashel Drasher (11-0) at Haydock 2m 6f (2) sft in Dec.
Master Tommytucker 5-2 (11-7) Led until fell 4 out, at Kempton 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Tidal Flow 5-2fav (11-8) Chased leaders, led 11th, pushed along and headed 3 out, chased winner, one pace and well held next, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Burbank (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Gibb Hill 40-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, fell 1st, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Fox Pro (FR) 11-4 (11-3) Raced wide, held up in 4th, left in 3rd place 7th, went 2nd bypassing 5 out, held when went left next, stayed on same pace and never going pace to challenge, 2nd of 4, 5 1/2l behind Breaking Waves (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Sea Destination (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Held up last, gained a place at 5th, detached 8th, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Esprit Du Large (11-2) at Exeter 2m 3f (3) sft in Nov.
