made all, challenged after 3 out, ridden between last 2, stayed on strongly to go clear after last, comfortably
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, challenged on inside after next, ridden and outpaced between last 2, no chance with winner flat
chased leaders, dropped rear 5th, lost touch 9th, tailed off 4 out, pulled up after next
tracked winner to 4 out, outpaced next, soon beaten
held up in touch, jumped slowly 14th, chased leading pair 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced
MIGHTY MAN can take another step towards a potential tilt at the RSA Chase by putting the likes of Viking Rebel and Sullumo in their place. It's been a remarkable story for Mighty Man whose career looked to have come to a premature end with injury at Punchestown but he looked as good as ever last season and proved that fences hold no fear for him with a smooth success at Hereford on ground that was softer than ideal. He won't have his optimum conditions here either but the track should suit him well as should the opposition. Viking Rebel has had his injury problems but was a promising young hurdler for Nicky Richards back in 2008. His former trainer always regarded him as a chaser in the making and held him in high regard so he has to be of interest in receipt of weight but he faces a tough task on the bare form. Sullumo is no mug and will relish the conditions but he lacks the class of the selection and has to put a Chepstow fall behind him whilst Starburst Diamond and Beware Chalk Pit look up against it on all known form. This isn't exactly a penalty kick for Mighty Man but he should still be able to convert the opportunity.
Mighty Man (FR) 4-6fav (11-1) Made virtually all, pecked 3rd, drew clear from 2 out, pushed out, comfortably, won at Hereford 3m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Dec beating Forest Pennant (11-7) by 9l, 3 ran.
Sullumo (GER) 7-2fav (11-7) Held up in touch, went 2nd before 6th, hit 4 out, 3 lengths down when fell 3 out, in a race won by Synchronised (11-2) at Chepstow 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Dec, 8 ran.
Beware Chalk Pit (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) In touch, outpaced 5th, weakened and no chance after, 7th of 8, 30l behind Tanks For That (11-2) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Mar.
Starburst Diamond (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Chased leading pair, not fluent 5th and reminders soon after, under pressure in 5th when slithered on landing and fell 10th, in a race won by Mark The Book (11-0) at Chepstow 3m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec, 6 ran.
Viking Rebel (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Held up in touch, headway 3 out, led narrowly next, ridden and headed last, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Lodge Lane (11-6) at Perth 3m nov hdl (2) gs in Apr '08.
