tracked leaders, went 2nd 14th, challenged 2 out, soon narrow lead, driven and hung left before last, in command run-in
chased leaders until lost place and dropped to rear 11th, went poor 3rd under pressure after 4 out
jumped sketchily early, led to 4th, chased leader, led 8th, hit 12th, driven and headed 2 out, weakened after last
held up in rear but in touch, unseated rider 11th
took keen hold, tracked leader, led 4th to 8th, chased leader until blundered and fell 12th
close up, left 2nd at 12th, blundered badly 14th, not recover
A fantastic contest, and one which looks a better renewal than recent years. Narrow preference is for THE MARKET MAN ahead of Shining Gale and Breedsbreeze. Only Hold Em looks to be one to take on here as he lacks the class of his rivals despite having plenty of guts. Nicky Henderson continues to flood the winners enclosures across the country and The Market Man, a ready winner at Newbury last time could win again. Although not the best of these over hurdles, and having suffered injuries since 2005, the gelding jumped like a stag when beating Kicks For Free. He's been hard to keep right but if he continues to impress then he could go on to victory at Cheltenham, although which race is up in the air. Breedsbreeze is unbeaten in two chase starts and in the colours of Jim Lewis, and a big run is expected with the step up in trip the only question mark (winning point-to-pointer over three miles). Massini's Maguire won the Ballymore Properties Novice race at the festival in 2007 and didn't get the credit. Off the track with injuries since, he ran well at Ascot when not fully tuned up and can progress again. Lodge Lane has the profile of a hugely progressive individual. His trouncing of Wichita Lineman at Exeter arguably needs improving on but who can say how good he can be? Millenium Royal was a classy hurdler and cannot be overlooked coming across la Manche, whilst Shining Gale steps up in trip. Connections think the world of him and his beating of Herecomesthetruth at Cheltenham has been truly franked since. A terrific contest, with the nomination going to The Market Man.
Breedsbreeze (IRE) 4-6fav (11-8) Chased leader, led 12th to after 13th, led approaching 3 out, soon in command, pushed clear easily, won at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov beating Ring The Boss (11-8) by 11l, 6 ran.
Hold Em (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Chased leader until 7th, stayed in close 3rd, hit 14th, driven and one pace approaching last, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Gone To Lunch (11-6) at Newbury 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Nov.
Massini's Maguire (IRE) 5-4fav (11-1) Tracked leader, led 6th, made rest, in command before last, stayed on well flat, won at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gd in Nov beating Slash And Burn (11-1) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Millenium Royal (FR) (10-3) 3rd of 10, 6l behind Atamane (10-1) at Auteuil 2m 5f hdl in Nov.
Shining Gale (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, joined leader 12th, nudged along to dispute lead when left well clear last, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) sft in Nov beating Tank Top (11-2) by 24l, 7 ran.
The Market Man (NZ) 9-4 (11-1) Jumped well, led 3rd, made rest, well in command from 2 out, well clear before last, eased run-in, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Nov beating Kicks For Free (11-8) by 4 1/2l, 4 ran.
