behind, mistake 6th, struggling 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, driven along after 4 out, hit 3 out and weakened
in touch, effort 8th, ridden and weakened before 4 out
behind, struggling from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch until ridden and lost place from 8th, tailed off
led to 8th, chased winner to after 4 out, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
in touch, mistake 7th, chased winner soon after 4 out, no impression between last 2
held up, blundered 11th, headway to chase leading pair before 3 out, no impression when hit next
held up in rear, mistake 10th, blundered 12th and hit next, plugged on at one pace
tracked leader, mistake 3rd, led 8th, made rest, drew clear between last 2, eased flat
Muhtenbar gets the vote over Marcel, with New Entic and Craven others to consider. This looks pretty wide-open, but narrow preference goes to Muhtenbar who failed to quicken when beaten a head by Ease The Way at Ludlow last time. With that in mind, this step up in trip will be very much in his favour, and Henrietta Knight's charge is taken to get the losses back. Marcel was useful over hurdles, and is still young enough to make his mark over fences. However, he is not certain to confirm recent Plumpton form over New Entic on today's terms. Craven found only Afsoun too good in a Listed hurdle at Newbury last time, and is sure to have been well schooled as he goes straight into handicap company here. Yaboya was beaten when falling at Cheltenham 18-days ago but had earlier been successful going right-handed at Market Rasen, and despite topweight has to be considered, while Black Hills is at the right end of the handicap. There are a few here returning from breaks, so the market should be noted, but for the winner we return to Muhtenbar.
Yaboya (IRE) 2-1fav (11-9) In touch, mistake 5th, took closer order 10th, disputing 3 lengths 2nd when fell 4 out in race won by Whereareyounow (10-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft, 12 ran.
Marcel (FR) 6-4fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 5th, made most after, hit 3 out, pushed clear flat, won at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov beating New Entic (11-0) by 5l, 5 ran.
Forager 50-1 (11-12) Chased leaders early, weakened from 5 out, 21st of 25, well behind Roadmaker (10-4) at Punchestown 3m hcp hdl 0-130 gd in Apr.
Thames (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Mid-division, hampered 5th, pushed along 6th, mistake next, ridden after 8th, headway 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 18, 20l behind Moulin Riche (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gd in Mar '05.
Craven (IRE) 10-3 (10-4) Held up in touch, ridden 2 out, stayed on to take leaders approaching last, went 2nd final 100yds, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Afsoun (11-10) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov.
Gentleman Jimmy 10-3 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden 5 out, plugged on, 4th of 8, 29l behind Siberion (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) hvy.
Muhtenbar 11-10fav (11-4) With leader, led 2nd, strongly pressed from 4 out, headed last, stayed on, 2nd of 7, hd behind Ease The Way (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nov chs (3) gs.
Black Hills 12-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, reminders after 8th, went 2nd 11th, no chance with winner from 2 out, lost moderate 2nd at last, 3rd of 10, 24l behind Opera Mundi (10-11) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
New Entic (FR) 9-2 (11-0) Led until 5th, still chance last, hung left and found nil flat, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Marcel (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Inaro (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, mistake 3rd, headway approaching 9th, jumped right and weakened from 3 out, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Irish Raptor (10-9) at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs (3) sft, 7 ran.
Oedipe (FR) (11-2) 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Orakel De Gravelle (10-12) at Craon 2m 2f chs gd in Sept.
