made all, not fluent 2nd, mistake last, stayed on under pressure
held up in 4th, took keen hold, went 3rd 2 out, carried head awkwardly, hard ridden flat, not run on
chased winner to 4 out, soon given reminders, beaten approaching last
held up in 3rd, chased winner 4 out, edged right, one pace flat
Billesey has been in great form of late and can win again at the expense of Investment Affair and Royal Kicks. The selection was a shock winner of a chase at Bangor before proving that was no fluke when scoring at Taunton earlier in the month. As a result he has shot up in the weights but connections have found an relatively easy opportunity here and if reproducing what he has achieved of late he will be difficult to oppose. Investment Affair comes from a yard bang in form and although he was beaten a fair way over hurdles at Sandown last time he has a chance of redeeming himself back over the bigger obstacles. Royal Kicks is unexposed with only six runs to date but has shown only a modest amount of ability. Although his Newbury run was an improvement he would have to improve once again to get close to winning so for the winner we return to Billesey.
Billesey (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Made all, blundered 3rd, drew clear from 3 out, pushed out, won at Taunton 2m 3f sll hcp chs 0-100 (4) hvy beating Wednesday Country (10-8) by 9l, 4 ran.
Urban Tiger (GER) 16-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, led approaching 2 out, headed next, weakened flat, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Kirby's Vic (9-11) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Royal Kicks (FR) 12-1 (10-4) Held up, hit 11th, headway and effort approaching 4 out, one pace from 2 out, 5th of 12, 19l behind Kings Euro (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Feb.
Investment Affair (IRE) 7-2 (10-0) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last, last of 5, 11l behind Bonchester Bridge (11-10) at Sandown 2m amt hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
