pulled hard early, tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, clear 3 out, stayed on well
in touch, ridden after 13th, soon beaten
led until 10th, in touch until blundered badly 13th, no chance after
held up, ridden after 13th, one pace after
held up rear, headway 11th, went 4th after 13th, weakened quickly after 4 out, virtually pulled up flat
in touch, driven along from 3rd, one pace from 4 out
held up towards rear, badly hampered 13th, no chance after, pulled up before 4 out
never fluent or travelling, always towards rear
chased leaders until 9th, in touch, ridden next, headway after 13th, went 2nd 3 out, stayed on gamely
mid-division, headway after 13th, soon ridden, kept on same pace
chased leader, led 10th until approaching 4 out, weakened after 3 out
Several of these have been in good form and the likes of Whitenzo and Tanterari have to be shortlisted. However, preference goes to Roberty Bob, as he is likely to represent more value on this occasion. Kittenkat and Twisted Logic also have each-way claims on the pick of their efforts and should also make this a good test. Whitenzo has made the most of a couple of good opportunities lately and is very much respected. He is still feasibly well treated and many will see him as a worthy saver option. However, it is also worth remembering that he does have a tendency to clout a few on the way when he comes under pressure and, despite him winning over hurdles here in the past, these fences are a different proposition and are unforgiving in nature. He needs to be at the top of his game on these terms. Tanterari notched up a nice sequence over hurdles before switching to chasing last month. He has taken to it well enough but, he ran no sort of race last time and there has to be the suspicion that he has had enough for the time being. Therefore, we prefer to go with Roberty Bob, who is back on a winning mark and, with no doubts about him handling the ground or staying the trip, he makes the most appeal at the likely odds.
Whitenzo (FR) 8-11fav Pulled hard, tracked leader from 2nd, led 12th, clear 2 out, easily, won at Sandown 3m amt chs (E) gs beating Curtins Hill by 12l, 8 ran.
Brave Spirit (FR) 33-1 Led to 2nd, chased leader to 14th, weakened before 4 out, blundered next, tailed off when blundered last, 6th of 9, well behind Trabolgan at Cheltenham 3m nov chs Grd 1 (A) gd.
Just Maybe (IRE) 33-1 Tracked leaders, lost place when mistake 17th, tailed off when mistake 3 out, 8th of 18, well behind Philson Run at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lst hcp chs (A) gs.
Twisted Logic (IRE) 20-1 In touch, ridden 15th, one pace from 4 out, 7th of 16, 25l behind Toulouse-Lautrec at Exeter 3m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs.
Roberty Bob (IRE) 8-1 Prominent, reminders after 7th, outpaced 11th, weakened 4 out, 3rd of 10, 23l behind Kausse de Thaix at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft in Feb.
Kittenkat 7-2jt-fav Chased leader, jumped slowly 1st and 2nd, not fluent 9th, driven to lead approaching 4 out, stayed on gamely, won at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-110 (D) gs beating Menphis Beury by 3l, 9 ran.
The Extra Man (IRE) 14-1 Prominent, ridden 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Rathbawn Prince at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (D) sft in Jan.
