prominent, went 2nd 5th, led 11th, headed approaching 2 out, hung left and weakened flat
chased leaders, mistake 4th, soon niggled along, not fluent and drop rear 9th, not fluent 12th, weakened next, pulled up before 3 out
held up, mistake 6th, headway 8th, hit 4 out, outpaced after next, rallied 2 out, challenged last, soon hung right, held towards finish
chased leader to 5th, not fluent 10th, hit 3 out, soon beaten
led to 11th, led approaching 2 out, edged right after last, driven out
held up, pushed along 4 out, weakened next
Withdrawn
HIGH JACK was disappointing last time but we will give him a chance to bounce back today; the list of alternatives is headed by Bennynthejets and Phar Again. High Jack is certainly better than he showed last time out at Wincanton when his prospects weren't helped by being badly hampered by a faller, but he would have a big chance on the pick of his form from last season and we are prepared to give him another opportunity to prove his worth. Bennynthejets won well on only his second start over fences at Towcester last month and this longer trip should not inconvenience him at all. He is basically a good jumper with a game attitude so he merits respect. Phar Again does not boast a particularly good strike-rate over fences and he is arguably at his best on soft ground so for that reason we will give him the swerve. War Footing failed to register a win over hurdles but he certainly looks worth a try over the bigger obstacles and he is one to note in the market. The selection does have a bit to prove, but at the forecast odds High Jack looks worth chancing.
Phar Again (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Held up, chased leaders approaching 5 out, ridden 3 out, no impression, 4th of 11, 11l behind Green Belt Elite (11-10) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
Patton (FR) 12-1 (11-6) Behind, hampered 3rd, under pressure halfway, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out, in a race won by Master Somerville (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs, 11 ran.
War Footing 15-8fav (11-9) Chased leader, led 3 out, headed 2 ot, soon lost 2nd and weakened between last 2, 5th of 8, 16l behind Stratford Stroller (11-5) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
High Jack (IRE) 10-3fav (11-10) Chased leaders until lost place 10th, looked struggling when badly hampered 13th, no chance after, 6th of 10, 28l behind Like A Duke (11-12) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Bennynthejets (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) With leader, disputed lead 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, driven out, won at Towcester 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Oct beating Alfatrix (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Rapid Increase (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Close 4th until ridden and mistake 7th, struggling after, tailed off, 6th of 7, 39l behind Green Gamble (10-7) at Kempton 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.
Ouragan Lagrange (FR) 10-1 (11-9) Blundered and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Midnight Haze (11-4) at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd, 10 ran.
