held up in rear, jumped slowly 3rd and 4th, soon behind
led 1st, remained in touch until ridden and weakened after 7th
close up, chased winner 4th, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
jumped well, led after 1st, unchallenged after
dwelt, behind and fell 2nd
Royal Shakespear, Twist Magic and Altay look the three to concentrate on in this novices chase and the vote is given to Twist Magic. The selection has reportedly improved for a breathiong operation and although he has a little to find with Royal Shakespear on hurdles ratings he is taken to score as he has more scope for fences than that rival. Royal Shakespear is sure to have been well schooled for this his chasing debut and should be noted in the market but he lacks size and is taken on with this in mind. Altay at least has experiance over fences and was a fair second behind Rasharrow last time out but his overqall profile leaves him with a little to find. The remainder have plenty to find on official ratings and are readily opposed and for the winner we return to Twist Magic.
Altay 6-1 (11-5) In touch, went 2nd 7th, every chance flat, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Rasharrow (11-5) at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Grandpops Joy (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Led, headed 11f out, weakened over 6f out, 8th of 9, well behind Bally Conn (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Ground Breaker 25-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 7th, headed 10th, mistake 3 out, weakened flat, 4th of 9, 8l behind Ericas Charm (11-11) at Ludlow 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Nov.
Royal Shakespeare (FR) 12-1 (10-13) Chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Crow Wood (10-1) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.
Twist Magic (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, weakened after 6th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Detroit City (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr, 13 ran.
Water Pistol 200-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 11, well behind Kanpai (11-7) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (2) gs in Nov.