tracked leaders, blundered 7th, chased winner 4 out, 10 lengths down in 2nd when jumped badly left and blundered last
tracked leader, led 6th, clear after 2 out
led to 6th, in 3rd and outpaced when blundered 4 out
always behind, struggling from 8th
chased leaders, outpaced 8th, went 3rd 3 out, no impression
As likeable as some of these are, it's impossible to look beyond KALAHARI KING. Doctor David can chase him home with Stumped in third. Ferdy Murphy has always spoken in glowing terms of this ex-French Flat horse and the gelding is already occupying second position in the Arkle market following two faultless displays. He was the best of these over hurdles and should be the best of these over fences; the one slight doubt is soft ground but his French form suggests that he'll cope. Doctor David finished just two lengths behind Afsoun on his chase bow, form which looked easy enough to crab at the time, before running out an impressive winner at Kempton. This is much tougher but he's a nice sort. Back Among Friends should pick up some prize money with a clear round but Rapid Increase has plenty to prove which should leave the way clear for Stumped to make the frame as he ran a blinder when a close second to Role On at Carlisle in a race that is already beginning to work out well. As good as that form is, it's hard to see him being a match for Kalahari King.
Kalahari King (FR) 11-8fav (11-6) Held up, jumped left 1st, headway after 4 out, went 2nd after 2 out, shaken up to lead flat, ran on well, won at Leicester 2m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Shatabdi (10-0) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Doctor David 7-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, left 2nd 3rd, led soon after 4th, forged clear from 3 out, very easily, won at Kempton 2m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Ameeq (11-0) by 17l, 5 ran.
Back Among Friends 16-1 (11-0) Led and soon clear, reduced lead 5th, headed soon after 8th, stayed in 2nd place, never any chance with winner from 3 out, 2nd of 7, 13l behind Gauvain (11-0) at Lingfield 2m beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Rapid Increase (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Not fluent, in touch until 6th, dropped to rear next, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Gauvain (11-0) at Lingfield 2m beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Stumped 33-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 4 out, challenged approaching last, no extra flat, 2nd of 11, nk behind Role On (10-13) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Nov.
