led to 13th, remained close up, ridden after 4 out, weakened next
mistakes in rear, went remote 4th approaching 3 out, never dangerous when blundered last
with leader, led 13th, clear approaching 3 out, shaken up and not fluent 2 out, easily
always towards rear, struggling from 15th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, jumped badly right 9th, weakened approaching 15th, stayed on from 3 out, never dangerous
towards rear and pushed along, hit 9th, weakened from 15th, tailed off when pulled up before last
tracked leaders, went 3rd at 13th, ridden to chase winner from 3 out, no impression when not fluent last
tracked leaders, badly bumped 9th, weakened approaching 15th,tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, reminders approaching 9th & 13th, soon struggling, behind when pulled up before 13th
chased clear pair until 13th, weakened from 16th, stayed on from 3 out, never dangerous
Another fascinating renewal with Arctic Jack just given the nod over Bear on Board, Lord Noelie and Tyneandthyneagain. Sue Smith's dour stayer produced a scintillating effort to take the Peter Marsh Chase and had lowered the colours of Gold Cup hope Kingscliff in the process. He truly relished the Haydock Park fences on that occasion and looks more than capable of giving weight away to experienced handicappers. Lord Noelie finally rewarded the patience of his backers with a victory at Cheltenham on New Year's Eve. Bridget Nicholls needs a star in her stable and while Lord Noelie is now off a mark of 145 - he is not getting any younger. Tyneandthyneagain was victorious in last week's Tote Eider at big odds and is set to go up 9lb for that success in the future. He jumped poorly on a previous visit to the track in February and this is by far his toughest test to date. Bear On Board has been spoken of as a major candidate for the Grand National. The lightly raced ten-year-old is an admirable jumper and has winning form around the course. He looks booked for a place at least off a favourable mark. Former Grand National winner Bindaree is also here. He would rate a popular winner although all form evidence suggests that he would need significantly more cut to win this race. World Wide Web won a big prize at Punchestown on his last start. Jonjo O'Neill's horses are not firing at present and we will need the market to convince of us of his merits. Artic Jack is deservedly awarded top weight as he is the class horse in the field and we believe that he is capable of landing today's gold medal.
