held up towards rear, steady headway from 6th, led 4 out, ridden 2 out, headed flat, rallied again close home, just held
tracked leaders, ridden 7th, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, weakened 4 out
held up towards rear, ridden from 7th, plugged on
led, headed 4 out, ridden to chase after 3 out, led flat, held on
never a danger
tracked leaders, hit 8th, weakened next
towards rear, hit 5th, lost touch next, pulled up before 3 out
This looks a very trappy affair and a narrow vote is given to Nazimabad, with Whaleef and Wondersobright also expected to be involved in the finish. Unlike most of these Nazimabad does have recent winning form, having got the better of today's rival Notanotherdonkey in a similar contest at Cheltenham. He disappointed next time out on much faster ground at Taunton and the race may have come a little too quickly. He has had plenty of time to recover this time and has gone well when fresh before, he looks the best option in a wide open affair. Whaleef looked on the way back last time when finishing a close up third behind Wild Power over course and distance and cannot be ignored in this company. Meanwhile the ex-Irish Wondersobright can be expected to improve on his first outing in this country. Imperial Rocket is another to hold place claims but our idea of the winner is Nazimabad.
Misty Dancer 66-1 (10-10) Led, headed briefly 6th and fell 5 out in race won by Taranis (10-9) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (C) gd in Nov, 11 ran.
Whaleef 16-1 (11-10) In touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, one pace flat, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Wild Power (10-7) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Imperial Rocket (USA) 8-1 (10-13) Led to approaching 4 out, weakened after next, 4th of 5, 20l behind Lindsay (11-11) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Feb.
Rash Moment (FR) 16-1 (10-7) Led and keen, pecked badly 1st, headed after 7th, blundered 8th, weakened 10th pulled up 5 out in race won by Mighty Matters (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (E) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Nazimabad (IRE) 9-4fav (11-9) Led, clear approaching 2nd, ridden and headed 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 9, 19l behind Supreme Tadgh (10-10) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Nov.
Notanotherdonkey (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, 7th of 13, 23l behind Wild Power (10-7) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Wondersobright (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Led, headed after 3rd, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 5, 8l behind Custom Design (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f cnd nov hdl (4) hvy.
Drive On Driver (IRE) 150-1 (10-3) Held up towards rear, lost touch 10th pulled up 3 out in race won by Amicelli (11-3) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chs (4) gd, 8 ran.
