held up last, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden approaching 4 out, lost touch 3 out, behind when hampered last
prominent, ridden to challenge after 3 out, every chance from 2 out, kept on well from last
led to 4 out, soon ridden, close 4th last, kept on one pace flat
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 4 out, jumped badly right, weakened 3 out, behind
in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, close 3rd when fell last
chased leader, ridden, led approaching 4 out, hard ridden 2 out, ran on gamely from last
held up towards rear, behind 7th, outpaced approaching 4 out, rallied, stayed on to go distance 4th from last
Nenuphar Collonges, Cousin Nicky and Avitta are three against the field in a tough race to call for punters and the narrow vote is given to Nenuphar Collonges. The selection won with plenty in hand when beating Before The Mast last time and although rising in the weights he looks a progressive type and is taken to defy the handicapper. Cousin Nicky rates the main danger on his best form but he was slightly disappointing over hurdles last time and is taken on with this in mind. Avitta is another worthy of respect as he won well last time when beating My World but this looks tougher and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Bishop's Bridge is another that could go well but this looks his toughest assignment to date and as he looks sure to be taken on for the lead he will be opposed. Of the remainder, Strike Back has dropped to a handy mark and could go well at a price, but for the winner we return to Nenuphar Collonges.
Tighe Caster 16-1 (10-11) Chased leaders to 5th, weakened approaching 4 out, 6th of 10, 33l behind Gallant Approach (11-1) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov.
Strike Back (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Prominent, with leaders 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, well behind Kitski (10-0) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft.
Bishop's Bridge (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Held up, headway 6th, led 12th, kept on well, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov beating Turgeonev (11-8) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cousin Nicky 10-11fav (10-10) Led to 5th, chased leader, led briefly approaching 2 out, chased winner to last, no extra flat, 4th of 9, 3l behind Ben's Turn (10-9) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
Roznic (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division when fell at the 5th in race won by Mon Mome (11-5) at Aintree 2m 4f amt nov hcp chs (2) gs in Apr, 14 ran.
Nenuphar Collonges (FR) 8-11fav (11-12) Tracked leader, ridden 4 out, left in clear lead 2 out, won at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov beating Before The Mast (10-12) by a distance, 7 ran.
Avitta (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) In touch, headway 8th, jumped right 4 out, led 2 out, soon driven, all out, won at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating My World (11-12) by a nk, 5 ran.
Down The Stretch 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway after 10th, 5th and held when fell 3 out in race won by Dream Alliance (10-11) at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
