in touch, headway 3 out, ridden to challenge next, no extra approaching last
in touch, weakened approaching 2 out
held up in rear, under pressure 3 out, some headway next, no impression
led, mistake 4 out, soon headed, rallied and every chance 2 out, led again last, all out
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, effort after 3 out, mistake next, weakened
held up in rear, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten
held up, headway after 3 out, stayed on into 3rd approaching last, never a threat
tracked leader, led after 4 out, strongly challenged from 2 out, headed after last, no extra closing stages
The Major General has yet to place over hurdles but a change of scenery could bring about a change of fortunes. Oregon Gold beat a big field at Southwell earlier this month but has been racing over further. Gold Chain won in a lower grade at Newcastle and has to contend with a 12lb rise while Nigh Or Never has spurned easier opportunities, though has changed stables. Navajo War Dance is very consistent and will be hard to keep out of the frame again but another maiden, ICEFALL, makes slightly more appeal. Already placed here, he has the blinkers fitted today and could find this trip to his liking having found 2m too short after finishing third over 2m4f in October.
Zig Zag (IRE) 16-1 (11-13) Led, pushed along and headed 4 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, 6th of 10, 27 1/4l behind Always Resolute (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Nigh Or Never (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, effort after 2 out, not fluent last, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Ilewin Geez (11-4) at Hereford 2m 4f (4) gf in Oct.
The Major General (IRE) 13-2 (11-11) Led, slight mistake 7th, clear before 6 out, reduced advantage after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out where slight mistake, soon no extra, 6th of 13, 12l behind Sweet Home Chicago (11-12) at Clonmel 3m hcp gd in Oct.
Oregon Gold (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Made all, mistake 2 out, pressed last, found extra run-in, kept on well, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Dec beating Nicely Indeed (11-11) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Navajo War Dance 5-2 (11-4) Close up in rear, pushed along and headway 3 out, chased winner next, ridden and joined winner flat, no extra close home, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Trans Express (11-12) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Dec.
Icefall (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Led, mistake 3rd, headed next, lost place before 4 out, 6th of 9, 8 1/2l behind Richard Strauss (10-6) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Gold Chain (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, led before 2 out, soon clear, ran on well, readily, won at Newcastle 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Dec beating Diggin Deep (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Bowie (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Keen in mid-division, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 10, 25 1/4l behind Derrynane (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Nov.
