tracked leader, led 3 out, driven out
led, headed 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out
tracked leaders, every chance 2 out, held when blundered last
held up, hit 13th, tailed off and pulled up after next
held up in touch, blundered 4th, weakened 5 out, pulled up soon after
held up, pushed along 12th, ridden after 5 out, no impression when went 4th going to next
Nonrunner
CAROLE'S LEGACY should be good enough to give weight and a beating to these rivals; of whom Cool Friend and Wychwoods Legend may be the pair to chase her home. Nicky Henderson has always held this half-sister to Mad Max in high regard and she certainly has the physical scope to carry the penalties that she has earned for victories at Wincanton and Exeter. She has it to do at the figures as she was only a nose in front of Cool Friend last time with Wychwoods Legend a further 10 lengths back in third, yet is 6lbs worse off with each of them. However, she was reportedly unsuited by the ground at Exeter so can be rated better than the bare form whilst this longer trip could also unlock some improvement. The placed horses may also improve for this longer trip with the stamina of Wychwoods Legend assured and they look to be the three to concentrate on once again. There are some interesting opponents in opposition but most have something to find on the form book so will either need to improve for the switch to chasing or to improve on the form that they have shown over the larger obstacles thus far and this really should go to Carole's Legacy.
Carole's Legacy 15-8fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, headed approaching last, rallied flat to regain lead post, won at Exeter 2m 3f Mares Novice Chase (4yo+) (4) sft in Dec beating Cool Friend (10-12) by ns, 8 ran.
Wychwoods Legend 7-2 (11-4) Led to 4th, tracked leader, not fluent 6th, no extra between last 2, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Carole's Legacy (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f Mares Novice Chase (4yo+) (4) sft in Dec.
Cool Friend (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, led approaching last, caught post, 2nd of 8, ns behind Carole's Legacy (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f Mares Novice Chase (4yo+) (4) sft in Dec.
Daraz Rose (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3f out, soon ridden, weakening when mistake 2 out, 6th of 11, 14l behind Easter Legend (11-12) at Ascot 2m 6f mares hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Flutter Bye (IRE) 4-1 (10-10) Sometimes jumped left, led 1st, ridden and headed 2 out, soon switched right, mistake last, edged right flat, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Amie Magnificent (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Mewstone 12-1 (11-0) Prominent, weakened approaching 3 out, 3rd of 8, 29l behind Midnight Queen (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Speed Bonnie Boat 11-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, weakened 8th, 7th of 11, 19l behind Easter Legend (11-12) at Ascot 2m 6f mares hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.
Dolly Grey 33-1 (10-9) Chased leader until weakened quickly 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, 19l behind Owen Glendower (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f NH flat (5) sft in Dec.
Midnight Ocean 25-1 (11-0) Always behind, 8th of 18, 48l behind King Stanley (11-12) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.