tracked leading pair, mistake and lost 3rd 8th, never travelled or jumped with any fluency after, struggling when jumped slowly 4 out, no chance after, left poor 3rd and hampered 3 out
jumped well, made all, going best before 3 out, came clear soon after, stayed on well, easily
tracked leaders in 4th, mistake 1st, went 3rd 8th, not fluent 12th, closing steadily when left 2nd 3 out, weakened and no chance with winner soon after
pressed leader, challenged and hit 4th, pushed along and weakening when fell 3 out
The lightly-raced Royal Boy has already won over fences between the flags and was unlucky to come up against Champion Hurdle hope Melodic Rendezvous in his two runs over hurdles last season. He should be winning soon but BABY MIX sets a decent standard in this handicap on his latest second behind Balder Success at Warwick and gets the nod. Turn Over Sivola is a danger if reproducing his second to Dodging Bullets over course and distance last month but ran a little flat at Sandown next time. Jimbill won at Stratford in September but appeared to have his limitations exposed when well beaten at Bangor subsequently.
Royal Boy (FR) 5-2fav (11-7) Raced keenly, led until slow and headed 3rd, chased leader and still pressing approaching 2 out, weakened quickly soon after 2 out, went modest 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Melodic Rendezvous (11-7) at Sandown 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) hvy in Jan.
Baby Mix (FR) 9-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, closed 6th, blundered next, ridden and no impression on winner before 2 out, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Balder Succes (11-8) at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) gs.
Turn Over Sivola (FR) 11-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 6th, not fluent 10th, 3rd and one pace before 2 out, no impression, left 2nd last, 2nd of 4, 5l behind Hinterland (11-1) at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) sft.
Jimbill (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, mistakes 1st and 2nd, led after next, mistake and headed 3 out, weakened quickly, modest 4th, 4th of 7, well behind Dursey Sound (10-12) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Oct.
