close up, ridden, chased winner 3 out, pecked last, weakened flat
led, mistake and headed 5th, led 9th, headed next, mistake 3 out, weakened
keen, close up, ridden 4 out, stayed on to take 2nd flat
tracked leader, led after 5th, headed 9th, led again next, hit 2 out, ridden approaching last, ran on
Top Buck won both starts in novice chase company last term but looks plenty high enough in the weights for his debut in this grade and preference is for Mighty Montefalco, who gets the verdict over Rainbows Aglitter and Poly Amanshaa. The last mentioned bounced back to form when scoring over course and distance at the last meeting here but a 7lb penalty leaves the 11-year-old with more to do. Like Top Buck, Rainbows Aglitter has his first run in a handicap over fences today and does not appear to be particularly well treated on his hurdles form or on the form shown when beating Joe Cullen at Towcester last month. Mighty Montefalco on the other hand has slipped to an attractive mark and has race fitness on his side following a respectable return over fences in September and a recent outing over timber. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding should be spot on now and, with the drop in trip expected to suit, Mighty Montefalco gets the vote.
