led, ridden and headed 14th, chased winner until 3 out, soon outpaced
tracked leader, led 14th, made rest, never in any danger
close up, ridden 13th, chased winner 3 out, kept on, no impression on winner
BURTON PORT is taken to make a winning return to fences at the expense of Bench Warrent and Massasoit. The selection is 4lbs worse off with Massasoit for two and a half lengths on their running at Bangor in November when both were making their chase debuts. He has since run an excellent race in a competitive handicap over the brush hurdles at Haydock and looks an improved performer this term. The Nicholls runner has a clear chance at the weights but his jumping didn't impress at the Welsh track and he hasn't found an awful lot for pressure in any of his last three starts. It's too soon to write Massasoit off but he may be one to treat with caution at present. Bench Warrent faces a very stiff task at the weights and ran a long way below his best when stepped up in class at Newbury last time. He may be able to produce a better performance in this small field but this race really should go the way of Burton Port.
Bench Warrent (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Led to 2nd, chased winner to 13th, hit next, no chance when left poor 2nd 2 out, distant 2nd 2 out, 2nd of 4, dis behind Michel Le Bon (11-2) at Newbury 3m nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) gs in Nov.
Burton Port (IRE) 3-1fav (10-11) Held up, headway after 3 out, every chance last, not quicken run-in, 2nd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Diamond Harry (11-12) at Haydock 3m 1f listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov.
Massasoit (IRE) 11-10fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, jumped right 7th, dropped to rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, every chance 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Burton Port (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Weird Al (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, not fluent 4 out, not fluent 2 out, soon moved into 4th, stayed on strongly approaching last, kept on flat to lead last strides, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs in Nov beating Knockara Beau (11-10) by nk, 6 ran.
