led, jumped left 2nd, not fluent and headed 7th, soon led again, headed 9th, no impression on winner from 4 out, blundered badly 2 out, mistake last, lost 2nd flat
held up in 4th, took keen hold, mistakes 5th and 9th, weakened after 11th, tailed off
tracked leader, not much room when not fluent 2nd, led 7th, soon headed, led again 9th, clear from 4 out, easily
tracked leaders, pulled hard, 3rd and no impression after 11th, blundered badly 2 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner
On paper this is arguably KERADA's toughest task to date over fences but Nicky Henderson's mare, who won over 3m here three weeks ago, has impressed with her jumping so far and is fancied to complete her hat-trick. Quo Video stepped up on his fourth at Southwell by beating subsequent winner Alderley Rover at Market Rasen but the penalty could find him out here, while Simarian also has the extra to carry having won at Cartmel last May. Out of his depth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month, he still looked in need of the run when tailed off over hurdles here subsequently and is probably best watched today. The same remark could also apply to Princeful, who hasn't raced since finishing runner-up at Lingfield in December 2009.
Quo Video (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Led, headed after 4 out, led 3 out, stayed on well, eased close home, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chase (4) gs in Jan beating Alderley Rover (11-0) by 5l, 5 ran.
Simarian (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Led until 6th, pushed along 4 out, weakened before next, 13th of 14, 38l behind Numide (11-2) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Kerada (FR) 4-11fav (11-4) Soon tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 2nd, challenged and mistake 9th, led 13th, clear before 4 out, easily, won at Ffos Las 3m mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) sft in Jan beating Cobbler's Queen (10-12) by 21l, 4 ran.
Princeful (FR) 3-1 (11-2) Mainly chased winner, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Victorias Groom (11-10) at Lingfield 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Dec '09.
