chased leader, ridden after 4 out, kept on gamely under pressure to lead approaching last, driven out
in touch, disputing close 2nd when fell 8th
lost touch from 7th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 8th to chase leaders, ridden after 4 out, weakened next
held up, smooth headway after 7th, mistake 9th, ridden and effort approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
chased leader, ridden and effort after 4 out, one pace from next
in touch, reminders after 6th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
held up, took closer order briefly after 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders until 6th, soon well behind, pulled up after 4 out
led, blundered 3 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, no extra
Irish Grouse looks the best option here, with Lost In Normandy and Walcot Lad two others expected to go well. Henrietta Knight's gelding showed much improved form last time when finishing a close up third behind Manque Neuf in a handicap hurdle at Plumpton. That was over a lot further so the drop in trip is a concern, however it is a very weak contest and he is expected to go close on his chase debut. Lost In Normandy comfortably landed a modest race at Bangor last time and if in the same mood today will be a tough nut to crack. Meanwhile Walcot Lad ran well in a slightly better race than this here last time. He is a model of consistency and could be each-way value. Harbour Point is another that could go well at decent odds, but Irish Grouse is expected to improve now he goes over the larger obstacles and he gets our vote.
Walcot Lad (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, led briefly after 9th, weakened after 4 out, 4th of 11, 21l behind Jolly Boy (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (F) sft.
Harbour Point (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) In touch, headway 8th, chased winner 4 out to 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 11, 18l behind Jolly Boy (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (F) sft.
Shannon Quest (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Always in rear, 7th of 8, well behind Le Volfoni (10-7) at Chepstow 2m beg chs (D) hvy.
Ingenu (FR) 100-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden 9th, soon weakened, 4th of 13, 18l behind Free Gift (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd.
Kaikovra (IRE) 25-1 (9-12) With leader and keen, led after 4th, headed next, led again 8th, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 24l behind Bergerac (11-7) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Nov.
Lost In Normandy (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, led 10th, clear 2 out, pushed out, won at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) hvy beating Toon Trooper (11-5) by 7l, 12 ran.
Killy Beach 12-1 (10-5) Mid-division, headway after 5th, led 6th, ridden 3 out, mistake, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 33l behind Urban Dream (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f sll hdl (G) gd.
Irish Grouse (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) In touch, headway to track winner 10th, driven after 3 out, held when lost 2nd 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Manque Neuf (11-3) at Plumpton 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gs in Nov.
Ellas Recovery (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Prominent when jumped slowly 1st, weakened before 8th, 7th of 10, 45l behind Moscow Gold (9-13) at Folkestone 2m nov hcp chs 0-90 (F) gd.
Bewleys Guest (IRE) 11-2 (9-12) Mid-division, weakened quickly from 9th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Saucy Night (10-1) at Plumpton 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gs in Oct, 12 ran.
