led after 2nd, jumped right 6th and 8th, headed after next, close up when blundered badly and almost unseated rider 11th, not recover, pulled up after 14th
mistake 2nd, hit 8th and 13th, ridden approaching next, chased winner and no impression from 3 out
hit 2nd, led after 9th, drew clear approaching 3 out, stayed on well
held up in 4th, went prominent after 4th, ridden after 13th, weakened approaching 3 out
Only four going to post for the most-valuable race on the card but it will still provide interest. The expensively-purchased Garruth has so far not hit the anticipated heights but could yet make a mark in staying handicaps this year. He ran well for a long way on his seasonal return at Stratford following a breathing operation and his handicap mark of 117 must surely get higher during the season. Ruby Walsh has again come across from Ireland for the race so, with Tony McCoy also riding in the race, there is the chance to see two of the finest riders of recent times - or any time - in action at Fontwell. McCoy rides Possible Pardon for Philip Hobbs. The eight-year-old, a course and distance winner, won twice as a novice last season but then became slightly disappointing. It could be that he is best caught fresh so the fact that he has been absent for 226 days might not be such a problem. Courage Under Fire, twice a winner over fences at Market Rasen this year, has suffered from back problems so could still have better to come. He has been raised 8lbs since his win on 19 October and it will be interesting to see how he copes with it. Richard Rowe says that Dirk Cove can only get better for experience but he may be found wanting today. The TEAMtalk selection, given that he ought to be well handicapped and hoping that the breathing operation will do the trick for him, is Garruth.
