chased winner, joined winner from 9th, every chance from 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching next
held up towards rear, ridden and headway when hit 3 out, kept on from last, no chance with winner
in touch, weakened approaching 5 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up in mid-division, behind from 9th, never dangerous
led, joined from 9th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, drew clear flat, easily
held up mid-division, pushed along approaching 9th, tailed off from 5 out
in touch, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, kept on from last
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
This looks like being the best race on the card, plenty of winning form to go on. Paul Nicholls is represented by Julie's Leader whose confidence may have taken a knock after one or two mishaps, but it is interesting that the stable think that he is good enough to line up here. Elenas River has failed to complete in three outings over fences this term, but they have been in very good company. The drop in class will undoubtedly help. Native Man, in the Arkle colours, really needs good ground, but will come on for his return at Kempton. Desailly has had a couple of decent runs but has nine lengths to make up on Merchants Friend on their Kempton running. In turn, Charlie Mann's charge will have to brush up on his jumping to justify what is sure to be solid support based on his earlier form. However, he was rather fortunate to score at Newbury in an incident-packed race in November, and may be worth taking on with Lord North. The topweight was pulled up at Kempton last time, but likes Leicester, having won on both his previous visits. After scoring over two and a half miles here on 27 December, Paul Webber nominated the Kim Muir as a likely objective. If that is still the plan, Lord North must make his presence felt, and as Stuart Morris takes off a valuable seven pounds, he he gets the vote-just.
