raced in 3rd, reached for 2nd, awkward next, fell 4th
went left and screwed at 1st, hung left and jumped left at times, tracked leader, led 4th, went clear home turn, reduced lead and hit 2 out, one length ahead when bad blunder and unseated rider last
went left and screwed 1st, led until 4th, pushed along after 8th, pushed along and closer 3 out, challenged next, 1 length down when left clear at the last
off the pace in 4th, mistake 2nd, left in 3rd place 4th, pushed along after 3 out, left remote 2nd at the last
Curious Times had a run over fences in Ireland but was well beaten. Thunder In Milan was pulled up on his chasing bow at Ayr so this looks to be between his stablemate Diamond State and MASKED CRUSADER. Derek Fox’s mount has placed in both starts over the larger obstacles so far, including one here, but the latter will appreciate this drop back in trip after weakening over 2m3f at Carlisle and may well get his own way out in front.
Curious Times (IRE) 13-2 (12-1) Handy, led narrowly 2nd, pushed along and headed before 2 out, plugged on same pace, 3rd of 6, 14 1/4l behind Applaus (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Masked Crusader (FR) 11-8fav (12-0) Close up, led briefly 11th, soon headed, ridden to challenge before 2 out, lost second approaching last, no extra flat, 4th of 6, 7 3/4l behind Getaway Luv (11-4) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Diamond State (FR) 9-2 (11-3) Led, jumped left 3rd, asked for effort when headed 3 out, jumped left 2 out, kept on run-in, lost second close home, 3rd of 5, 7 3/4l behind Monte Igueldo (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Thunder In Milan (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, jumped left and awkward 2nd, lost place after 4th, well behind 12th, pulled up before 4 out, at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Oct.
