led, headed after 8th, led next until 12th, led 13th, not fluent and headed 4 out, led next not fluent 2 out, weakened flat
prominent, not fluent 2nd, led 12th until next, led 4 out until 3 out, led 2 out, soon driven, headed flat, stayed on
prominent, went left and not fluent 1st, led after 8th until next, close 3rd 3 out, went left and no extra 2 out, 4th and well beaten when mistake last
raced in 4th, jumped carefully, reminders after 7th, ridden 14th, stayed on approaching last, soon went 2nd, led flat, driven out
Topsham Belle has a chase pedigree but her first start over the larger obstacles was a major disappointment. She'll have to do much better here if she is to get the better of PHIDIPPIDES. Evan Williams' charge beat Sandynow by 12 lengths over 2m4f at Ludlow in November and the longer trip and stiffer track here should allow him to judge his fences with more accuracy. Teddy's Reflection is a bit more exposed than his rivals and therefore open to less improvement but he kept on well to get off the mark in a novices' handicap at Ascot last time and should again make his presence felt.
Phidippides (IRE) 2-7fav (11-1) Made all, drew clear approaching 2 out, easily, won at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Sandynow (11-1) by 12l, 7 ran.
Teddy's Reflection (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) In touch, hampered 12th, headway to chase leaders 15th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, soon in command, clear and staying on strongly when went slightly left last, won at Ascot 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Nov beating Sonny Mullen (11-10) by 5l, 10 ran.
Sandynow (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) In touch, not much room and lost lost action briefly after 4th, soon chasing winner, lost 2nd after 9th, blundered 12th, chased winner again before 4 out, no impression after 3 out, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Phidippides (11-1) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Topsham Belle (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Held up in touch on outside, driven and lost place approaching 5 out, soon weakened and eased, tailed off, 13th of 16, dis behind Major Malarkey (11-6) at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Dec.
