mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
in rear, ridden 6th, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before next
tracked leader, ridden 6th, weakened and tailed off 4 out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden approching 3 out, weakened soon after
in touch, weakened 4 out
in touch, tracked leader 6th, led next, ran on
towards rear, reminders 3rd, headway 6th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, every chance approaching last, one pace
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to chase leading pair and mistake 2 out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden and weakened 7th
In a race that you could have a shortlist of about six runners the vote heads the way of BUGSY'S BOY with Pterodactyl and Phoudamour just two of the others in with big chances. The selection's recent best has come on ground with a bit of cut in it and had been running well this season before falling in a maiden hurdle at Fontwell last time. That would appear only to be a blip on the record and with the form from his previous efforts looking more than strong so are his chances here. Pterodactyl also didn't like Fontwell last time hitting the deck early on in the race. Before that though things were going well and, ignoring that last effort, he is always competitive in events like this. Phoudamour fell when taking on fences for the first time on his last outing and a return to taking on timber looks the right move. A winner in bumper company he has the ability and will be a major player. Vagrant Emperor showed some good ability on his first attempt over hurdles last time and we can expect more again while A French Horse and Western Whisky have solid enough looking claims but in a competitive contest Bugsy Boy has the verdict.
Bugsy's Boy 3-1 (11-0) Led, hit 6th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened after next, no chance with fell at the last in race won by Bold Policy (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
Calabrese (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) In touch, lost place 9f out, tailed off final 6f, soon hanging badly left, 15th of 16, well behind Burton Port (11-2) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Christmas Carol (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, completely tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Who's Deal (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl sft in Jan, 25 ran.
Gershwinner (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, weakened approaching 5 out, 3rd of 6, 33l behind Quartz de Thaix (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
King of Java 100-1 (11-6) In rear, mistake 2nd, blundered 7th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Fruity O'Rooney (11-6) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Le Toto 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 13, 42l behind King's Forest (10-9) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Paddys Honour (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 7th of 14, well behind Chariot Charger (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Phoudamour (FR) 3-1fav (11-2) Held up mid-division, mistake 13th, good headway on inner approaching 3 out, joined winner 2 out, soon ridden, one pace when fell at the last in race won by Kate's Gift (11-2) at Leicester 2m 7f mdn chs (4) sft in Dec, 9 ran.
Pterodactyl (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Held up behind when fell 5 out in race won by Wise Men Say (10-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft, 14 ran.
Western Whisky (FR) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, led 5th until approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 21, 34l behind Edgbriar (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Tarabela 100-1 (10-10) Always behind, no impression, 9th of 12, 30l behind King Caine (11-9) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) hvy.
A French Horse (FR) 10-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, not fluent 6th, headway 8th, weakened under pressure approaching last, 5th of 15, 16l behind Orion d'Oudairies (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in May.
Tanner Towers 150-1 (11-4) In rear, pushed along and no chance from 4th, tailed off, 10th of 12, well behind Kilvergan Boy (11-4) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Vagrant Emperor (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, headway 7th, chased leading pair after 3 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Bensalem (11-4) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
