held up in last pair, mistake 6th, ridden and struggling after 8th, behind from next, tailed off
tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, went 2nd and switched left approaching 3 out, challenged next, led before last, pushed out
held up in last pair, not much room 2nd, headway 7th, not fluent 9th, ridden before 4 out, went 3rd when not fluent next, no impression on leading pair
tracked leaders, jumped right 1st and 2nd, lost place when mistake 7th, behind after 9th, pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, pressed leader, led 8th, not fluent 2 out, headed before last, stayed on same pace
led until 8th, every chance when blundered badly 4 out, not recover and soon well held by leaders
Topthorn beat Bennys Quest by seven lengths over C&D three weeks ago but the runner-up is 8lb better off today so there shouldn't be much to choose between the pair. However, Martin Bosley's ex-pointer is three years younger than his old rival so is taken to confirm the form but TARKARI has more scope. He stayed on late behind Royale's Charter at Taunton last time and is having just his fifth run over the larger obstacles. He's also won off higher marks over hurdles. Drumshambo and Prince Of Dreams will improve with experience and are also worth a second look but Giant O Murchu has gone backwards since winning at Stratford in the summer.
Giant O Murchu (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) In rear, some headway approaching 3 out, never on terms, 8th of 11, well behind Moscow Chancer (10-9) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs.
Drumshambo (USA) 25-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, jumped right and mistake then hampered 1st, not fluent 7th, some headway next, weakened after 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 11, well behind Sire De Grugy (11-2) at Kempton 2m beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
Prince Of Dreams 50-1 (11-3) Held up behind, chased leaders under pressure 3 out, came towards stands side next, kept on same pace approaching last, no impression, 4th of 11, 8l behind Creekside (10-7) at Towcester 2m beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
Tarkari (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Behind, plugged on from 3 out, went modest 5th close home, never any chance, 5th of 11, 16l behind Royale's Charter (11-12) at Taunton 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Bennys Quest (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, hit 4th, blundered 8th, went 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 11, 7l behind Topthorn (10-10) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct.
Topthorn 7-1 (10-10) Always prominent, led 4 out, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct beating Bennys Quest (11-1) by 7l, 11 ran.
