not always fluent, chased leaders, ridden after 12th, soon weakened
made most, headed 12th, led approaching 3 out, kept on strongly
keen, held up behind leaders, ridden and weakened 11th, pulled up before 3 out
patiently ridden in last, headway and mistake 12th, 3rd and outpaced next, stayed on from 2 out, never troubled leaders
tracked winner, led 12th, soon quickened pace, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, kept on, held from next
held up behind leaders, outpaced 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, never troubled leaders
Gwanako should be a warm order here; Miss Mitch and Dictum could be the ones to fill the minor places. The selection won his sole chase start in France but has been confined to hurdling thus far in his British career; finishing a creditable fifth in the Christmas Hurdle last time. His lack of experience is obviously a concern but his preparation is sure to have been meticulous and he's an exciting prospect. Mister Quasimodo was below par last time, Nirvana Du Bourg probably in need of further on debut for a new yard whilst Possol and Gardasee have plenty to prove in this company. The other two challengers are hardly rock solid but Dictum ran well for a long way at Haydock until refusing and may just be able to pick up a decent share of the prize money if that experience hasn't left a mark. Miss Mitch's allowances will come in handy and she was in the process of running a big race when unseating at Wincanton. This is tougher but she was really impressive on her chase bow and could be the one to give the selection, Gwanako, most to think about.
Dictum (GER) 9-1 (11-7) Chased leader, disputed to 4 out, left in lead 3 out, headed 2 out, soon weakened, tired and well beaten when refused refused in race won by Turpin Green (11-7) at Haydock 2m 5f Grad Ch (2) hvy in Dec, 3 ran.
Mister Quasimodo 5-4fav (11-12) Tracking leaders when blundered badly 3rd, never travelling after and pulled up in race won by Randwick Roar (10-3) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Jan, 7 ran.
Nirvana Du Bourg (FR) 8-1 (10-0) Always behind, tailed off and pulled up at the last in race won by Oscar Park (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar, 24 ran.
Gwanako (FR) 12-1 (11-7) Prominent, ridden after 3 out, soon outpaced, 5th of 6, 19l behind Straw Bear (11-7) at Kempton 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Possol (FR) 4-1 (10-13) Held up behind leaders, led 12th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Starzaan (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Jan.
Miss Mitch (IRE) 8-11fav (10-11) Led, mistake 9th, headed next, ridden when blundered and unseated rider at the 11th in race won by Starzaan (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Jan, 5 ran.
Gardasee (GER) 25-1 (11-12) Led, jumped well, ridden and joined 2 out, soon headed, no impression on winner straight, 2nd of 6, 15l behind Thyne Again (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
