held up, jumped slow, in rear when fell 11th
tracked leader, mistake 9th, soon lost place, never dangerous after
held up, ridden 5 out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, chased leader 9th, ridden and every chance from 2 out, led flat, driven out
led, jumped left 5th, clear 13th, joined 2 out, headed flat, no extra
Millenaire, The Dark Lord and Classic Capers will contest this novice chase with the vote going to the last named. Classic Capers has been a model of consistency this season not finishing out of the first three. He eventually came good last time out around Doncaster when defeating New Alco. He looks the improving type and is one to keep on the right side of. Millenaire will have his supporters after winning back to back races at Folkestone and Leicester. Again he looks a nice prospect but has a double penalty to carry which means this is his toughest race to date. The Dark Lord was a winner around here on his penultimate race but struggled when upped in grade at Newbury last time out. He is back in his grade now so should be noted. But for the winner we return to Classic Capers.
Millenaire (FR) 7-2 (11-8) Held up, hampered and rider lost iron 1st, pecked 2nd, headway 9th, mistake 10th, ridden approaching last, ran on to lead close home, won at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd beating You're Special (11-1) by a hd, 11 ran.
The Dark Lord (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, mistake 9th, ridden next, mistake 11th, well behind from 13th, 5th of 7, well behind Darkness (11-2) at Newbury 3m nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Nov.
Classic Capers 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, led after 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat, won at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (E) gs beating New Alco (10-7) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Briery Fox (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 10th, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Bewleys Berry (11-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f beg chs (E) gs in Nov.
Yes Sir (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leader until ridden after 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 18l behind Mighty Man (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hdl (B) gs.