in touch on inside, lost place when jumped slowly 13th, soon lost touch, pulled up before next
in touch, hampered and lost place briefly 9th, outpaced 5 out, no chance with leaders after, plugged on to dispute remote 3rd after 3 out until weakened last, tailed off
always prominent, led narrowly after 4th, made most after, drew clear after 5 out, unchallenged from next, stayed on well
in touch when fell 9th
led narrowly to after 4th, tracked front pair, went 2nd before 4 out, soon ridden and clear of rest, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
chased leaders to 4th, behind from 6th, struggling when hampered 9th, soon lost touch, continued well tailed off until pulled up before 16th
held up behind, hampered 9th, blundered and unseated rider 15th
disputed lead until driven and outpaced after 5 out, lost 2nd before next, soon no chance with clear pair, ridden and plugged on when hard pressed for remote 3rd from 3 out
Most have a question mark hanging over them but COURTOWN OSCAR is an exception. He's already proved his wellbeing with a brave win on his Carlisle reappearance, handles heavy ground well and stays this marathon trip - positives which may enable him to defy a career-high mark now. He's also the most reliably consistent member of the field. Belmount rates next best despite a relatively below par effort last time at Ludlow. He stays over three miles but there is a concern about his effectiveness under the conditions. Guaranteed stayer Russe Blanc has a place claim with the champion jockey an interesting booking and another assured stayer in Royale Knight cannot be ignored despite having to tote over 12st and give weight away to all rivals.
Royale Knight 7-1 (11-12) Led until 8th, soon pushed along, last next, behind 4 out, tailed off, 4th of 5, dist behind Special Prep (11-5) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Dawson City 25-1 (10-11) Chased leaders to 17th, soon behind, weakened and pulled up after 5 out, at Ayr 4m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Hainan (FR) 22-1 (11-3) Led, reminders after 6th, headed before 6 out, soon weakened, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Ayr 3m hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Belmount (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Chased leader until 13th, chased leaders, weakened 2 out, 6th of 13, 19 1/4l behind Braqueur D'or (11-4) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gf in Oct.
Courtown Oscar (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Led, ridden 2 out, headed next, rallied to lead again towards finish, won at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Oct beating Presented (10-0) by 1l, 10 ran.
Buachaill Alainn (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 5th of 13, 16 1/2l behind Audacious Plan (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 5f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Russe Blanc (FR) 18-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 5 out, chased winner next, lost place before last, ridden and no impression in 4th flat, 4th of 15, 9 1/4l behind Harry The Viking (11-3) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Emperor's Choice (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden 5th, towards rear when mistake 11th, slow 12th, behind when pulled up after 16th, at Uttoxeter 4m 1f hcp lst (1) sft in Mar.
