led to 2nd, pressed leader, led 7th, headed soon after 4 out, hampered 3 out, no chance with winner
held up in 4th, closed before 4 out, went close when 2nd when fell 3 out
close up, tracking leaders, led soon after 4 out, left clear after hitting 3 out, easily
led 2nd to 7th, every chance 4 out, no chance with winner after 3 out, weakened last
KNOCKARA BEAU could represent a spot of value against Diamond Harry and Bensalem. The George Charlton inmate has proved himself to be one of the leading lights up north and has a fantastic sense of rhythm about the way in which he goes about his business. Unfortunately his successes do mean that he has to shoulder a few winners penalties but this likely frontrunner can grind his rivals into submission. Diamond Harry makes a belated switch to novice chasing having kept counsel against the top staying hurdlers this season. He possesses the physical characteristics of a chasing type and if he is to be considered for any of the Cheltenham races, he has to win this race for those plans to be entertained. Bensalem did not look the most fluent of chasers earlier on in the season but he seems to have improved for extensive schooling at Alan King's and was not disgraced behind Take The Breeze at Exeter. Mumbles Head travelled supremely well at Newcastle before being overhauled by Weapons Amnesty within the shadows of the post. His form leaves him with something to find but Peter Bowen is a past master of having his horses ready to pick up races of this nature at big prices. Knockara Beau has the edge of experience and that is enough to swing our thoughts in his direction.
Knockara Beau (IRE) 1-8fav (11-9) Made all, unchallenged, won at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) sft in Dec beating Calin Royal (11-1) by 18l, 4 ran.
Bensalem (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) Held up in close 5th after 4th, same position before 10th, in 2nd last, no impression flat, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Take The Breeze (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (2) hvy in Dec.
Diamond Harry 11-4 (11-7) Held up, hit 4 out, headway approaching 3 out, chased leaders 2 out, chased winner before last until after last, stayed on same pace run-in, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Big Buck's (11-7) at Newbury 3m hdl G1 (1) hvy in Dec.
Mumbles Head (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, headway 5 out, challenged when hit 3 out, kept on and every chance, ridden and one pace flat, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Weapon's Amnesty (11-2) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) gs in Nov.
