held up, effort 2 out, no impression
held up mid-division, chased leaders 2 out, weakened after last
chased leaders, soon in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
made all, driven out
tracked leaders, took closer order 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, pushed along after 4th, soon struggling
behind, pushed along and mistake 3rd, pulled up before last, tailed off
in touch, pushed along approaching 5th, soon weakened
in touch, chased leaders approaching 2 out, kept on same pace from last
tracked leader, took closer order 5th, one pace from 2 out
held up, weakened 3 out, pulled up before last
reminders after 2nd, behind, headway approaching 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last
always towards rear, tailed off, pulled up before last
A strong field assembled for this valuable race and our shortlist comprises of Sir Tantallus Hawk, CATCH BOB and Open De L'Isle. The last named won stylishly at Carlisle last time under conditions similar to those faced here and carrying just a mandatory 7lb penalty must be respected but preference is instead for the Ferdy Murphy runner Catch Bob. This one won nicely at Leicester having travelled supremely well throughout and also races off a 7lb higher mark than for that victory and whilst not quite as impressive as the first named we thought the Leicester contest looked a better one and the form should hold up. Sir Tantallus Hawk is another with chances having faded on the run in over a mile further last time. That effort actually resulted in the horse being dropped a pound and we know the horse goes on the ground given that he won a novice hurdle on soft, so he rates a threat from his shrewd yard. John Forbes and Dontpaytheferryman both represent Brian Ellison's in form stable and each has a chance with the first named preferred whilst respect is also given to King In Waiting who is 9lbs higher than when last winning but is racing at the ideal trip and remains in form. A very good contest and plenty arrive with a chance but we'll take Catch Bob to lead them home.
Indian Groom (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, with leader after 4 out, weakened after next, 11th of 13, well behind Nampour (10-12) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Oct.
Sir Tantallus Hawk 8-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 2 out, hit last, never troubled winner, 2nd of 9, 10l behind Factotum (11-4) at Ffos Las 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Nov.
John Forbes 20-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed after last, rallied to regain lead towards finish, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov beating Sam Lord (10-0) by nk, 8 ran.
Open de L'Isle (FR) 13-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well, won at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov beating Bamby (10-3) by 12l, 9 ran.
Dontpaytheferryman (USA) 5-2 (11-4) Held up and keen, chased leaders 3 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Percussionist (11-12) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov.
Woody Valentine (USA) 25-1 (10-6) Led to 6th, ridden after 3out, gradually faded approaching last, 8th of 14, 9l behind Right Option (10-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gf in Oct.
King In Waiting (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Held up behind, driven and outpaced approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure to chase winner approaching last, no impression flat, 2nd of 9, 2 3/4l behind Fushe Jo (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Nov.
Raysrock (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) In touch, chased winner 7th, 3 lengths down and staying on, not fluent and unseated rider 5 out, in a race won by Go Silver Bullet (11-9) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in May, 7 ran.
Currahee 8-1 (10-6) Held up mid-division, chasing leaders in 3rd when fell 3 out, in a race won by Pagan Starprincess (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy, 10 ran.
Leac An Scail (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, still every chance, no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Mobaasher (11-1) at Southwell 3m beg chs (3) gd.
Catch Bob (IRE) 9-4fav (10-13) Took keen hold, held up in rear, taken to wide outside on back straight, smooth headway on outer approaching 3 out, led 2 out, drew clear from last comfortably, won at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Nov beating King Ozzy (11-3) by 2l, 11 ran.
Bob's Dream (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Took keen hold in mid-division, headway 4th, chased winner 2 out, no impression flat and lost 2nd final 100yds, no extra, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Rivaliste (11-4) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Spa Wells (IRE) 11-1 (11-5) In touch, ridden after 2 out, never troubled leaders, last of 8, 35l behind Annibale Caro (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Jul.
