behind 3rd, mistake and left in 3rd at last, kept on flat to take remote 2nd
chased leaders, slow 5th, weakened 7th
held up, headway 7th, in touch when fell 9th
held up in rear, ridden and headway 3 out, left 2nd at last, weakened flat
mid-division, ridden and weakened after 5th, pulled up 9th
held up, headway after 5th, chased winner, held and 3 lengths down when unseated rider last
behind from 3rd, pulled up after 3 out
led, headed after 1st, remained close up, ridden and weakened 7th
led after 1st, headed 8th, weakening when fell next
prominent, led 8th, 3 lengths clear and in command when left clear last comfortable
The shortlist contains Jolly Boy, Green Gamble and Celtic Legend, with the vote just going to Jolly Boy. Racing from out of the handicap and having to carry a seven-pounds penalty, it might seem a bit crazy nominating Jolly Boy - and he also ran just two days ago. However, Venetia Williams clearly has a well-handicapped runner on her hands and if she is happy to run him, then we are happy to go with her judgement. Green Gamble gets a good mention, as this course and distance winner remains on a very competitive mark, while Celtic Legend is set to rise by four pounds in future ratings following his good second to Bergerac on November 30th, so is respected. Turning to the others and Game On has a chance if recapturing his February winning form, Wild Power has proven that he can win from around today's mark, and Polish Pilot, another course and distance winner, is back to a fair mark if on song. Overall, though, we will side with Jolly Boy.
Le Royal (FR) 11-1 (10-12) Held up, jumped slowly 10th, never troubled leaders, 4th of 8, 17l behind Wicked Nice Fella (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (D) gs in Nov.
Buffalo Bill (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) In rear, ridden and struggling before 3 out, 4th of 5, 14l behind Millenaire (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 5f nov chs (D) gf in Nov.
Wild Power (GER) 16-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 11, 26l behind Julies Boy (9-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gs in Nov.
Green Gamble 5-1 (10-5) Prominent, went 2nd 6th, headed before 2 out, chased winner after, no impression and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Lorient Express (10-7) at Folkestone 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Nov.
Celtic Legend (FR) 4-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 7th, led 3 out, ridden approaching last, edged right and headed towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Bergerac (11-7) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Nov.
Charliemoore 8-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, driven along virtually throughout, blundered and weakened 4 out, 4th of 7, 29l behind Julies Boy (10-4) at Windsor 2m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Nov.
Jolly Boy (FR) 9-2fav (10-7) Led 3rd, hit 5th, briefly headed 9th, clear 3 out, eased flat, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (F) beating Mystical Star (11-12) by 10l, 11 ran.
Manoram (GER) 10-1 (11-12) Led, blundered 3 out, mistake and headed next, 3rd and beaten when went badly left last, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Julies Boy (10-4) at Windsor 2m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Nov.
