led, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened
chased leader until ridden and weakened before 2 out
chased leaders, led briefly before 2 out, weakened between last 2, 3rd and held when blundered last
raced wide, chased leaders, ridden to chase winner 2 out, ridden and no impression between last 2
not fluent 1st, held up behind leaders, led on inside 2 out, in command between last 2, pushed out flat
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, weakened 3 out
held up, always in rear
Krismas Cracker, Dishdasha and Dyneburg are the three to look at here with Krismas Cracker getting the vote. Dishdasha was runner up at Fontwell but made no mistake at Stratford next time. He is exposed however, and took advantage of a slide down the handicap to score. An eight pound rise appears harsh, and although the yard is in form, he is overlooked. Milton Star only has one win in thirty two to his credit but judged by his close second at Uttoxeter last time he has to be seriously considered here. He has run well on fast ground and will be thereabouts but he may have to wait a little longer to double his winning tally. Nicky Henderson's wins to runners ratio recently is impressive, and although Krismas Cracker is one of his lesser lights, he has shown enough ability when finishing fifth at Sandown in a stiff novice hurdle last season to suggest he is well handicapped here. Krismas Cracker can lead them home.
Dyneburg (POL) 5-1 (11-2) Chased leader until approaching 3rd, went 2nd again 4th, led before 2 out, headed when not fluent 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Orpen Wide (11-5) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Sept.
Sole Agent (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Prominent, not fluent at 1st, ridden on after 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, well behind Picot de Say (10-6) at Wincanton 2m 4yo hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Mar.
Milton Star (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 6th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied last, ran on, 2nd of 16, hd behind New Team (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (5) sft in Oct.
Krismas Cracker 20-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next, 5th of 10, 17l behind Manners (11-0) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (3) sft in Feb.
Dishdasha (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, led 2 out, mistake last, ran on, won at Stratford 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gd in Oct beating Commemoration Day (10-7) by 2l, 15 ran.
Zaffre (IRE) 16-1 (10-4) Behind, driven before 3 out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd flat, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Almizan (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (E) gf in Aug '05.
Kyathos (GER) 100-1 (11-2) Always behind, 13th of 18, well behind Roll Along (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct.
