chased leaders, pushed along to hold place approaching 12th, hard ridden approaching 3 out, led soon after last, all out
chased leaders, blundered 15th, ridden to lead after 2 out, headed soon after last, no extra
chased leaders, led, hit 12th, headed 14th, left in lead after next, ridden after 3 out, hit 2 out, soon headed, weakened
ran in snatches, held up, niggled along from 8th, hit 14th, headway next, chased leaders 4 out, hit 2 out, hard ridden, every chance last, kept on but no extra close home
led until 3rd, led 4th until 6th, soon reminders, weakened quickly 10th, pulled up after 11th
hit 6th, lost touch 8th, soon tailed off
prominent, led 3rd until next, led 6th, headed 12th, led 14th until blundered, unseated rider next
In a very good novices' chase, Halcon Genelardais gets the vote ahead of Reflected Glory and Basilea Star. Halcon Genelardais has looked highly promising in winning his two chase starts to date and this Royal & SunAlliance Chase entry can further enhance his reputation today. Second to The Listener at Windsor two runs ago, Lord Killeshanra is no mug although he was already held when pulled up behind Idle Talk and the Paul Nicholls-trained Reflected Glory over course and distance last time. The last-named looks a progressive young staying chaser and can give the selection something to think about, as can the Grade 1-placed hurdler Basilea Star, who won on his chasing debut, and Red Georgie actually beat Reflected Glory at Chepstow in October, but, the question is, will it be the same story today? Tighten Your Belt has also shown form enough to have earned a rating in the 130s, so is respected and adds further spice to a race that will be won by a decent horse. Our choice for that mantle is Halcon Genelardais.
Halcon Genelardais (FR) 5-6fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, led after 5 out, clear approaching 2 out, driven out, won at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft beating Preacher Boy (11-8) by 15l, 5 ran.
Lord Killeshanra (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) In touch, ridden after 14th, lost touch after next and pulled up 2 out in race won by Idle Talk (11-10) at Exeter 3m 1f nov chs (3) gs in Jan, 6 ran.
Reflected Glory (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) In touch, pressed when approaching 4 out, soon ridden, every chance 2 out, no extra, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Idle Talk (11-10) at Exeter 3m 1f nov chs (3) gs in Jan.
Basilea Star (IRE) 6-4fav (11-6) Held up, headway approaching 9th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, driven out, won at Warwick 3m 2f beg chs (E) sft in Dec beating Ardaghey (11-6) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Red Georgie (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Led, headed after 9th, ridden and weakened 5 out, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Leading Man (11-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs (B) hvy in Dec, 5 ran.
Mighty Moose (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Mid-division, weakened 10th, no chance when pulled up 4 out in race won by Lord Killeshanra (10-12) at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (C) gs in Nov, 13 ran.
Tighten Your Belt (IRE) 4-9fav (11-6) Held up in touch, hit 5th, headway 4 out, chased winner when hit 3 out and next, ridden and stayed on flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Olney Lad (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 7f beg chs (4) hvy in Jan.
Roman Rampage 16-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, ridden and hit 2 out, soon faded, 4th of 11, 15l behind Wee Anthony (10-5) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) pol.
