chased leaders, led before 2 out, drew clear last, easily
led, joined when hit 3 out, headed before next, soon outpaced by winner
always in rear, beaten 3 out
keen, prominent, every chance 3 out, no extra approaching next
tracked leaders, effort 2 out, soon outpaced
behind, headway 4 out, no impression
mid-division, weakened 3 out
NonRunner
Millers Bank won nicely at Bangor last time but is penalised while Multellie has been beaten under a penalty on a couple of occasions since winning at Carlisle. Marlborough Sounds made a promising start over timber for new connections when runner-up at Huntingdon, with a disappointing Mandalayan well beaten, and looks sure to figure but QUART DE GARDE is just preferred. The latter placed over fences when trained in France and, having recently switched to Donald McCain’s yard, he gets the vote fitted with a hood for his debut in this country. Mighty Meg has placed in a bumper and is worth a second glance now hurdling.
Millers Bank 5-2 (10-12) Made all, clear last, stayed on well, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f (4) hvy in Nov beating Northofthewall (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Multellie 5-1 (11-4) With leader, led after 1st, headed 4 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on to chase winner from last, no impression, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Big Bad Bear (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
Machiavelli 25-1 (11-7) Always behind, 8th of 11, dist behind Bullionaire (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) hvy in Dec.
Mandalayan (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 3rd, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 16, 16 3/4l behind West Cork (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Marlborough Sounds 25-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped right at times, went 2nd after 3 out, mistake last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 16, 1 3/4l behind West Cork (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Bob's Girl 100-1 (10-7) Always in rear, 14th of 16, dist behind Garry Clermont (11-0) at Ludlow 2m mdn (4) sft in Nov.
Mighty Meg 12-1 (10-7) Held up and behind, niggled along over 3f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 16 1/4l behind Cadmar (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (5) sft in Dec.
Prussia With Love 20-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, no impression, 6th of 13, 15 1/4l behind Kissesforkatie (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Quart De Garde (FR) (10-7) 2nd of 7, 4l behind Red Risk (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 1f hvy in Sep.