took keen hold, made most until 7th, ridden after 3 out, weakened flat
held up in 4th, not fluent 2nd, chased winner after 4 out, every chance 2 out, no impression flat
took keen hold, mostly pressed leader until led 7th, drew clear flat, easily
tracked leaders, shaken up after 3 out, ridden in 3rd after next, stayed on same pace
It looked as though GIORGIO QUERCUS was just beginning to falter when falling at Plumpton earlier this month. That was probably a decent novice event by that track's normal standards, however, and the six-year-old can gain compensation here if his confidence hasn't been affected. Thumbs Up was just about the equal of the selection over hurdles and won over fences at Cartmel in May last year. He hasn't raced since, however, and also carries a penalty here like Darby's Turn, who beat the useful Dan Breen at Warwick in November and was trying a longer trip when pulled up at Newbury subsequently. Special Occasion's recent form figures are a bit misleading as he's been taking on decent company over timber and could play a part if taking to the larger obstacles.
Darby's Turn (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Chased leader, hit 2nd, mistake and lost 2nd 10th, weakened quickly, behind when badly hampered 11th and pulled up, in a race won by Little George (11-5) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
Thumbs Up 6-4 (10-12) Set crawl until headed 2nd, close up, hit last, soon ridden, led bend entering straight, stayed on, won at Cartmel 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May beating Mutual Friend (11-5) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Giorgio Quercus (FR) 11-8 (10-12) Held up in touch, took keen hold after 2nd, headway 4 out, soon chasing leader, driven and challenging when fell 2 out, in a race won by Tullamore Dew (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs, 5 ran.
Special Occasion 22-1 (11-0) In touch, effort on outside 2 out, soon outpaced, no impression approaching last, weakened flat, 10th of 17, 17l behind L'Accordioniste (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Dec.
