prominent, jumped right 3 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
held up, headway 5th (water), challenged 4 out, ridden after 2 out, led last, drifted right, driven out
chased leaders, lost place before 6th, tailed off before 9th
mistake 1st, never going, always behind, tailed off 6th
with leader, led 2nd, strongly pressed from 4 out, hit 3 out, headed last, stayed on
held up, headway 5th (water), hampered, stumbled on bend after 9th, weakening when hit 4 out
led to 2nd, chased leader after until approaching 4 out, soon weakened
Muhtenbar should have the class to prevail, with Vaughan, Carthys Cross and Ease The Way all likely to make their presence felt. Muhtenbar came up against some decent sorts over timber last year, notably when chasing home Star De Mohaison at Hereford. He has yet to open his account in six starts over fences, but has been placed on a number of occasions, and as Graham Lee has partnered him both times this term, he should know what it takes to boot him home. Henrietta Knight's charge tried to make all over further at Huntingdon last time but was outgunned by Ungaro, and this drop in trip should hopefully pay dividends. Vaughan should handle the ground, but his last two victories over timber were on faster going, while Carthys Cross takes a drop in grade after his third to All Star at Ascot and should be in the shake-up. Ex-Irish Ease The Way needs to brush up his jumping on this, his debut for Evan Williams, and for the winner we return to Muhtenbar.
Carthys Cross (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) In touch, mistake 6th and 8th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, stayed on, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind All Star (11-5) at Ascot 2m 1f beg chs (2) gs in Nov.
Ease The Way 10-1 (11-6) Always behind and fell at the 11th in race won by Martinstown (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chs gd in Sept, 15 ran.
Glimmer of Light (IRE) 10-1 (10-5) Held up, ridden approaching 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off and pulled up at the last in race won by Estate (10-1) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Aug, 9 ran.
Jack's Lad (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Held up, blundered 4th, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 49l behind Papini (11-6) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Muhtenbar 4-1 (11-6) Led, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Ungaro (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Nov.
Vaughan 10-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, mistake and ridden 5th, rallied under pressure 3 out, weakened next, 3rd of 4, 10l behind Priors Dale (11-11) at Kempton 2m nov chs (3) gs in Nov.
Glory Be 14-1 (11-7) Led to 4th, weakening when mistake 3 out, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Bonchester Bridge (10-8) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs hcp hdl (3) gs in Nov, 8 ran.
