led, headed approaching 2nd, close up when fell 6th
tracked leaders, hit 8th, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, pushed along approaching 8th, ridden to challenge when hit 3 out, led last, driven out
prominent and raced wide, led approaching 2nd, ridden and under pressure 3 out, headed last, no extra flat
held up, pushed along approaching 8th, weakened from 5 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A trappy seven runner contest and we will give a tentative vote to Big Rob, with Silver Knight and Little Big Horse put forward as the main rivals. Brendan Powell's charge failed to complete in three chases last Autumn, but following a spin over hurdles, returned to fencing in good style last time, finishing an excellent second behind Madison du Berlais. With confidence totally restored he looks the best option this afternoon. Silver Knight has shown much improved form this season with back to back victories before Christmas. He has had a break since disappointing at Haydock and a big run can be expected. Little Big Horse is also coming back from a holiday. He goes well fresh and off a decent looking mark has to be considered a strong challenger for some place money. Kid'zplay looks the best of the rest, but as with most of these there are questions to answer and so we return to Big Rob as our idea of the winner.
Kid'z'play (IRE) 11-8 (12-2) Not fluent in lead, headed when hit 10th, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 34l behind Celtic Boy (11-10) at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (D) gs in Sept.
Silver Knight 7-2 (11-5) In touch, ridden approaching 13th, weakened approaching 18th, 4th of 8, well behind Double Honour (11-12) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) sft in Dec.
Little Big Horse (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, lost touch 12th, tailed off, last of 5, well behind You're Special (10-9) at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp chs 0-140 (B) gs in Dec.
Big Rob (IRE) 7-2 (11-9) In touch, ridden after 8th, stayed on from 4 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Madison Du Berlais (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Feb.
Latimer's Place 7-1 (11-10) Held up, headway approaching 18th, soon chasing leaders, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 13, well behind Eric's Charm (11-12) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft.
Classic Capers 50-1 (10-7) Mid-division, pushed along after 11th, weakened after next, 16th of 21, well behind Dun Doire (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs.
Gazump (FR) 9-1 (11-2) Jumped right, soon well behind, hit 4 out, stayed on under pressure after 3 out, never going pace to reach leaders, 4th of 8, 12l behind Madison Du Berlais (11-3) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
