took keen hold, tracked leaders, hit 3rd, 2nd before 5th, no impression from 3 out, finished tired
tended to jump right, made all, came clear from 3 out, very easily
tracked leaders, lost place after 4th, reminders and struggling before next, tailed off 6th
tracked winner until before 5th, chased leading pair, outpaced when misatke next, tailed off
held up last, went 4th after 4th, tailed off 3 out, soon pulled up
chased leaders, losing place when hit 3rd, soon outpaced, tailed off and struggling 5th
KRUGERMAC looks the one to beat in this. He made a winning debut over hurdles at Ascot last month and Gary Moore's charge can defy a penalty in this company. Winning pointer Chef D'oeuvre was placed in a bumper when favourite at Sandown recently and could go well but the remainder have shown little so far over timber, including Brave Cupid and Minmore Grey, while Norman The Red has been well beaten in bumpers of late.
Krugermac (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Jumped well, took keen hold, held up in touch, smooth headway tracking leaders from 3 out, led approaching last, pushed along and quickened clear run-in, impressive, won at Ascot 2m 3f mdn (3) sft in Nov beating He's A Charmer (11-0) by 8l, 8 ran.
Chef D'Oeuvre (FR) 6-4fav (11-0) Led and disputed until 4f out, lost 2nd over 3f out, chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, 3rd and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 5 1/2l behind Full Irish (11-0) at Sandown 2m (5) sft in Nov.
Minmore Grey (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In rear, weakened before 8th, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Net Work Rouge (11-5) at Warwick 3m 2f (4) gs in Nov.
Norman The Red 25-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, well behind over 3f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, dist behind Divine Spear (10-12) at Towcester 2m mdn (6) gd in May.
Notebook 66-1 (11-0) Started slowly, always towards rear, 10th of 13, dist behind Itsnowcato (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (5) gd in Nov.
Brave Cupid 50-1 (11-2) Chased winner until 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 31l behind Sunshine Corner (11-2) at Lingfield 2m (4) hvy in Dec.