tracked leader, in lead as runners came into view after 4 out, driven 2 out, in command before last, driven out, poor visibility
led, 3rd and beaten as runners came into view after 4 out
held up in 4th place, mistake 3rd, reached for 5th, close 2nd and pushed along as runners came into view after 4 out, well held before last
tracked leading pair, running loose as runners came into view after 4 out, unseated rider on back straight
held up well in rear, remote 4th as runners came into view after 4 out, tailed off
Dynamite Dollars beat Highway One O One on his chasing bow in October and again in a Grade 1 at Sandown earlier this month. He has to conceded weight all round here, however, against some potentially top-class novices. Prolific over hurdles, MARIA’S BENEFIT has won both starts over fences with the minimum of fuss and should be suited by this relatively sharp track. Stuart Edmunds’ mare could be some value against likely hot favourite Kalashnikov, also two from two over the larger obstacles but seemingly at his best on galloping tracks.
Dynamite Dollars (FR) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, driven to challenge after 3 out, hit next, ridden to lead after last, stayed on well, won at Sandown 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Ornua (11-2) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Highway One O One (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, under pressure 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 6, 14 1/4l behind Dynamite Dollars (11-2) at Sandown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Kalashnikov (IRE) 1-7fav (11-5) Pressed leader, led 9th, drew clear after 3 out, in no danger after, unextended, very easily, won at Plumpton 2m 1f (3) sft in Dec beating Envoye Special (10-8) by 18l, 6 ran.
Maria's Benefit (IRE) 2-5fav (11-0) Made all and soon 6 length clear, reduced lead 4 out, ridden and stayed on strongly flat, won at Bangor 2m 1f lst (1) gs in Nov beating Jester Jet (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Hope's Wishes 66-1 (11-0) Held up, not fluent 11th, lost touch with front pair before 4 out, 3rd of 4, dist behind Dalila Du Seuil (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f (3) hvy in Dec.
