CESAR COLLONGES (NAP) was always travelling best when successful at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. He’s gone up 8lb but has had just the two runs over fences so should have more to come. Enola Gay is proving frustrating to follow but has done little wrong in his last two starts over fences, though is still creeping up the handicap. Lillington’s bubble was burst at Taunton but he still looks better treated than Huntsman Son, flattered by his proximity to the winner last time at Doncaster.
Huntsman Son (IRE) 7-4 (11-8) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, went 2nd flat, kept on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Ballywood (11-1) at Doncaster 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Cesar Collonges (FR) 7-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, led before 3 out, stayed on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Sir Egbert (12-0) by 7l, 8 ran.
Lillington (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Towards rear, pushed along and weakened before 8th, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Ballywood (10-13) at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Enola Gay (FR) 5-1 (10-8) Held up mid-division, went 2nd from halfway, challenged when blundered 4 out, every chance from last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Molineaux (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jan.
