held up, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear
always behind, hit 5th, weakened approaching 7th
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 6th, soon weakened
held up, ridden and headway after 3 out, no impression
mid-division, pushed along approaching 6th, never dangerous
led, headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, hit 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, soon headed, no chance with winner
chased leader, ridden after 3 out, one pace
Ever Special, Optimum and Top Style are three against the field in a wide open affair and the narrow vote is given to the progressive Ever Special. The selection won well last time out when beating Vicario and although rising in the weights he has conditions to suit and he is taken to defy the handicaper. Optimum rates the main danger but he hails from the same yard as the selection and should be noted in the market. Top Style is another worthy of respect on his best form but the suspicion is he will be seen to better effect over a longer trip. Of the remainder Suprendre Espere is on a handy mark and will be a danger to all if his jumping holds up but that is a big if and for the winner we are happy to return to the progressive Ever Special.
Karathaena (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Held up, mistake 2nd, hit 7th, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced, 6th of 8, 16l behind Legally Fast (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
Young Cuthbert 66-1 (10-12) Led 3rd to 12th, weakened after 14th, 6th of 7, well behind Kilbeggan Blade (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov chs (4) gs in Nov.
Top Style (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) With leader, led 7th, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 30l behind Junkanoo (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 3f clm hdl (5) sft in Nov.
Optimum (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Keen hold, chased leaders, weakened 3 out, well behind when unseated rider 2 out in race won by Tashkandi (11-12) at Kempton 2m cnd nov hcp hdl (4) gs in Nov, 16 ran.
Sheer Guts (IRE) 22-1 (11-12) Towards rear, not fluent 2nd, blundered and unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Tin Healy's Pass (10-5) at Hexham 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Ever Special (IRE) 17-2 (9-7) Made all, ridden clear 2 out, comfortably, won at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft beating Vicario (11-11) by 6l, 8 ran.
Vigoureux (FR) 33-1 (10-9) In rear, ridden and lost touch from 6th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Nenuphar Collonges (11-12) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov, 7 ran.
Le Millenaire (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, 6th of 12, 24l behind Heversham (10-0) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May.
Suprendre Espere 8-1 (10-12) Mid-division when fell at the 8th in race won by Carnt Spell (10-5) at Towcester 2m 3f chs 0-95 (5) sft in Nov, 10 ran.
