in touch, headway 6 out, joined leader next, every chance when fell 3 out
held up in rear, not fluent 4th, lost touch 9th, soon beaten, left in modest 4th 3 out
tracked leader, mistake 8th, soon headed, pushed along 9th, weakened 5 out, pulled up next
in touch, ridden to challenge when left in 3rd at 3 out, weakened next
tracked leader, led after 8th, headed next, effort 4 out, left in 2nd next, every chance after last, no extra towards finish
led until 5th, led again 9th, joined 5 out, strongly challenged after last, stayed on strongly closing stages
Minella Reception made a successful debut over fences at Ffos Las but that was in August of last year and though he'll enjoy the conditions he has a big weight to carry. Elenika was left in a clear lead when his nearest rival fell at the last at Chepstow and that was only his second success over jumps in 30 starts so this can go to FRIENDLY ROYAL. Sue Smith's charge easily landed a Class 4 handicap at Uttoxeter and made a bold bid to defy an 11lb rise back there three weeks ago only to be denied in the last strides. Sleepy Haven only weakened from the last at Wetherby on his third start over fences and has the scope to do better.
Minella Reception (IRE) 10-11fav (11-7) Made all, clear from 4 out, easily, won at Ffos Las 2m 3f (4) gd in Aug beating Leath Acra Mor (11-7) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
Sleepy Haven (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Held up in rear but in touch, mistake 6th, headway when jumped left 4 out, chased leaders next, blundered 2nd last, no threat after, 3rd of 6, 13 1/4l behind Clan William (10-0) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Midnight Belle 20-1 (11-9) Held up in 5th, pushed along before 6th, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 9, 37 1/2l behind Flute Bowl (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Elenika (FR) 5-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, poised to challenge in 3rd after 6 out, switched inside next, driven 4 out, switched outside and went 2nd approaching next, upsides when left clear 2 out, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Walk In The Mill (11-5) by 34l, 5 ran.
Friendly Royal (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Prominent, led 8th until 9th, led 10th, jumped left 3 out, driven flat, headed near finish, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind April Dusk (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Morney Wing (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 7, 20 1/4l behind Uhlan Bute (11-1) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
