tracked leading pair, ridden 2 out, weakened next
disputed lead until ridden 2 out, still every chance next, no extra and lost 2nd flat
close up in rear, closed 5 out, ridden 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd flat
disputed lead until led 2 out, ridden next, asserted flat
NonRunner
NonRunner
NonRunner
Ben Buie has won three times over fences, including once over track and trip, but was only third here last month when racing off a similar mark. CAPTAIN IVAN came good at Southwell last month and a similar effort here may well suffice with Crack Du Ninian struggling for form at present. Obey The Rules is a consistent sort at this level and a winner here at the start of the month while Keepyourdreamsbig gets a weight-for-age allowance so can’t be ignored.
Crack Du Ninian (FR) 11-2 (11-11) Jumped right on occasions, led, not fluent 5th when headed and close up, ridden along and kept on same pace from 2 out, 4th of 8, 6l behind Feel The Pinch (11-7) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Captain Ivan (IRE) 3-1 (12-1) Chased leader, going well 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, clear last, ran on well flat, comfortably, won at Southwell 2m hcp (5) gd in Nov beating Mexican Boy (11-7) by 3 3/4l, 7 ran.
Keepyourdreamsbig (FR) 2-1 (11-2) Jumped a little big and slow at times, chased leaders, switched left before 2nd, ridden and not fluent 3 out, not fluent and no extra last, 3rd of 5, 8 1/2l behind Elios D'Or (12-0) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Ben Buie (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Kept out wide, chased (clear) leader, closer at 3rd until 6th, challenged 4 out, ridden before 2 out, every chance until mistake at the last, weakened run-in, 3rd of 4, 9 1/2l behind Flann (12-0) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (5) gf in Nov.
The Knot Is Tied (IRE) 40-1 (11-8) In touch behind leaders, slow 5th, soon lost place, behind 8th, pulled up after, at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Happy Du Mesnil (FR) 13-2 (12-0) Chased leaders, mistake 2nd, not fluent 4th, ridden after 4 out, lost touch after 3 out, tailed off, 4th of 5, dist behind Tom Creen (10-2) at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Nov.
Obey The Rules (IRE) 11-4 (12-0) Left chasing leader 1st, led 3rd, edged left flat, stayed on, pushed out, won at Leicester 2m hcp (4) gf in Dec beating Legendary Rhythm (11-3) by 2 3/4l, 4 ran.
