chased leaders, lost place approaching 7th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
towards rear, headway when hit 4 out, ridden 3 out, weakened last
held up in touch, chasing leaders when hit 15th, soon lost place, blundered badly next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, pushed along after 4th, headway after 4 out, weakened 2 out
with leader, hit 5 out, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance run-in, not quicken
made all, pecked 4th, ridden after last, stayed on gamely
held up, effort approaching 4 out, pulled up 2 out
tracked leaders, pushed along approaching 16th, weakened 4 out
chased leaders, lost place approaching 15th
held up in touch, hit 17th, headway approaching 4 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on run-in
held up in mid-division, headway 10th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
A test of stamina has always suited Double Honour and he is fancied to reverse Warwick form with Baron Windrush on 11lb better terms, while also resisting the challenge of Kelami, who looks a live danger at the weights. That is not to say this is a three-horse race by any means, as the likes of Truckers Tavern and Chives have some solid course form to their names and will not make it easy for the rest if they can cope with carrying their big weights. However, the latter did finish distressed in the Peter Marsh Chase last month and, having bled from both nostrils, his supporters will have to be aware that his bleeding problem could always resurface on this heavy ground. Royal Emperor also has it to do on these terms, but he is a classy individual on his day and is capable of getting involved if his confidence at his fences has returned. L'Aventure adds another dimension to the race, as she can be uncooperative at times. However, she stays very well and, as Robbie McNally gets on very well with her, she cannot confidently be ruled out. Control Man, being the first choice from the Martin Pipe yard, also has to be considered as a threat. He is progressing nicely but has something to prove on his first try over a truly marathon trip. Kelami, like many of the field, is being prepared for another crack at the Grand National and only needs a handful to come out to get a run in April. He can bolster his claims with a clear round today should be thereabouts at the finish. So too should Baron Windrush, whose yard excel with their staying chasers. The son of Alderbrook is only a seven-year-old and is open to stacks of improvement. It will be very interesting to note the tactics employed today and he is given the utmost respect; in spite of his 10lb rise in the weights. However, Double Honour had his measure when they met at Cheltenham earlier in the season and, with a similar effort over this longer trip, Phillip Hobbs' charge represents great value to bring off the biggest win of his jumping career to date. Hobbs has three other options for Aintree next month and off 10st-5lb, Double Honour is going to be at the right end of the weights whatever happens today.
Chives (IRE) 11-4 In touch, pushed along after 11th, struggling next, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Lord Transcend at Haydock 3m hcp chs Grd 2 (A) hvy in Jan.
Truckers Tavern (IRE) 11-2 Held up, hit 6th, mistake 10th, outpaced 12th, kept on from 2 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 18l behind Lord Transcend at Haydock 3m hcp chs Grd 2 (A) hvy in Jan.
Baron Windrush 11-1 Held up, headway approaching 16th, ridden to challenge when pecked 2 out, led flat, driven out, won at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Jan beating D'Argent by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Double Honour (FR) 14-1 With leader, bumped 1st, led 11th to 14th, led again 16th to 18th, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 16, 19l behind Baron Windrush at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Jan.
Turnium (FR) 50-1 Held up in touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, last of 7, well behind Inglis Drever at Haydock 2m hdl Grd 2 (A) hvy in Jan.
L'Aventure (FR) 9-2fav Always towards rear, 6th of 16, 34l behind Baron Windrush at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Jan.
Maximize (IRE) 25-1 Never going well and always behind, 8th of 12, 45l behind Innox at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd.
Kelami (FR) 9-1 Mid-division, headway approaching 16th, outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 16, 25l behind Baron Windrush at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Jan.
Royal Emperor (IRE) 6-4fav Led, headed 5 out, ridden and blundered 3 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Mouseski at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs (B) gs.
Merchants Friend (IRE) 12-1 Tracked leader, led 4th, soon clear, headed after 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 13th of 14, well behind Chamoss Royale at Kempton 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Jan.
