held up in touch, closed 7f out, led 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place 5f out, responded and challenged 3f out, led 2f out, clear 1f out, easily
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch towards rear, closed 6f out, ridden 3f out, went 3rd 1f out, stayed on same pace
made most until 3f out, no extra inside final furlong
with leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch in rear, effort 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Getting 7lb from Special Mate, who hasn't raced since winning on his debut at Ffos Las almost a year ago, BRIGADIER MILLER can round off what should be a successful day for the Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty partnership. The grey, a £19,000 purchase in 2010, made a promising start when fourth to Trespasser at Taunton last month. Little Chip was second in a point-to-point in Ireland in October and may prove best of the rest as well-bred newcomer Smart Viking was sold for only £4,000 at the Ascot sales in June last year.
Special Mate 8-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 12f out, went 2nd over 3f out, led well over 2f out, hung left thereafter, stayed on well, won at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (5) sft in Feb beating Flemi Two Toes (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Brigadier Miller 11-2 (11-4) Held up in touch, chased leaders over 5f out, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 12, 12l behind Trespasser (10-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nat hunt flat (5) gd in Dec.
Dorceus 5-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, faded over 1f out, 9th of 15, 19l behind Viking Ridge (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m cond NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
Little Chip (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Alw pr, imp to ld after 5out, hdd 3out, ko sme pce str, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Ballymoat (11-7) at Castletown-Geoghegan 3m ire ptp hvy in Oct.
Roparta Avenue Nomadic Way gelding out of Miss Fizz.
Smart Viking (IRE) Viking Ruler gelding out of Pamela Peach.
My Farmer Girl Karinga Bay mare out of See My Girl.
