jumped well, made all, in command from 3 out, eased towards finish, unchallenged
raced wide, chased leading pair, mistake 7th, struggling 10th
never going well, in rear, reminders after 3rd, mistake 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch, headway 6th, chased leading pair 9th, 2nd approaching 3 out where mistake, lost 2nd 2 out, well held in 3rd after
in touch, hit 8th, ridden and struggling after 4 out
chased leaders, headway to 3rd approaching 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, closed as winner eased towards finish, never any chance
chased winner until approaching 3 out, kept on same pace after
Noun De La Thinte has been on a role this winter and his winning sequence looks set to continue at the expense of Gabreselassie and Signs of Love. The selection bids for his five timer having been raised fifteen pounds in the weights since the beginning of December. Connections have once again appeared to have found a relatively easy opportunity and with a clear round another victory looks almost certain. Gabreselassie will pose as the biggest danger having performed well in defeat on a number of occasions this winter. That said he is still a maiden and still looks a little high in the handicap and for that reason should be treated with caution. Signs of Love has not won since breaking his maiden tag in a hurdle race nearly two years ago. Since then he has only been lightly raced and has performed with credit of late over the larger obstacles and is worthy of plenty of respect. Noun De La Thinte is the form horse in the race and is difficult to oppose.
Noun De La Thinte (FR) 7-2fav (10-5) Led or disputed lead until went on after 4 out, headed briefly 2 out, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs beating Ouste (10-11) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Ammunition (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace, 4th of 12, 23l behind Pavillon Bleu (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Signs of Love (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, hit 11th and outpaced, hit 3 out, kept on, no impression, 3rd of 10, 24l behind Senor Shane (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Gabreselassie (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 4th until 6th, outpaced approaching 4 out, stayed on flat, 4th of 8, 16l behind Pistolet Dove (10-6) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Alfatrix (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leader to 3rd, hampered next, reminders 7th, weakened after next, tailed off, 6th of 8, 50l behind Pistolet Dove (10-6) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Vic's World (IRE) 28-1 (10-9) Held up, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 33l behind Carole's Legacy (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f Mares Novice Chase (4yo+) (4) sft in Dec.
The Hardy Boy 7-2 (9-12) Held up, went 2nd at the 8th, ridden and weakened from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Noble Bily (10-10) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft.