led, headed before 3 out, soon weakened
chased leader until 8th, chased leader again 10th until 13th, soon ridden, one pace from 3 out
held up in rear, good headway approaching 3 out, chased leader next, led last, ridden clear
mid-division, improved 3rd at 5th, chased leader 8th until 10th, chased leader again 13th, ridden to lead before 3 out, soon clear, headed last, weakened flat
held up towards rear, ridden before 3 out, kept on to take 4th flat
close up, ridden 13th, weakened before 2 out
keen, held up, headway 14th, chased leader 3 out until next, stayed on to take 2nd flat
Lawaaheb gets the nod over Alfie's Sun and Surfboard, while a move for Roznic would be interesting even though he has a bit to prove regarding his stamina for the trip. The last named has plenty of ability when he gets it right and has room for improvement from his current chasing handicap mark. However, the combination of the trip and the possibility of testing ground conspire against him and he needs luck on his side. Fears about the suitability of the ground also affect the confidence in recommending Surfboard, who despite holding his form well, does need to a firmer surface than he will encounter today. Alfie's Sun is respected but is also creeping up the weights, as he is beginning to pay the price for his profitable spell at the end of last season. An 11lb rise for his latest victory looks harsh and he is up against the wall from the top of the weights. So the process of elimination brings us to Lawaaheb, who is suited by the trip, will not be bother if the heavens open before the off and, from a mark of just 97, can exploit the leniency of from his present rating.
Alfie's Sun 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, chased leader soon after 3 out, led approaching 2 out, shaken up flat, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May beating Fieldsofclover (11-2) by 5l, 5 ran.
Roznic (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up, driven and outpaced 12th, headway after 3 out, stayed on between last 2, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 13l behind Lord Jay Jay (10-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Surfboard (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Behind, hampered 9th, never dangerous, tailed off, 10th of 22, well behind Lampion Du Bost (9-11) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Mokum (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, blundered 7th, ridden and lost place 11th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Own Line (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov, 7 ran.
Lawaaheb (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Chased winner, ridden approaching 3 out, pecked last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Own Line (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Parish Oak 10-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, mistake 3rd, jumped slowly 8th, never dangerous, last of 7, well behind Mighty Matters (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov.
Potts of Magic 4-1 (10-5) Held up, headway under pressure after 3 out, driven and weakened flat, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Arafan (9-11) at Ascot 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Liberty Ben (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) In touch, reminder 8th, ridden 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 35l behind John Diamond (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Nov.
