tracked leaders, weakened from 12th, soon behind, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, some headway to chase leaders halfway until effort approaching 12th, soon weakened
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on one pace
mid-division, ridden and chased leaders approaching 4 out, blundered next, kept on one pace
close up, led 7th, ridden approaching 4 out, headed next, weakened approaching last
mid-division, ridden approaching and hit 4 out, kept on to lead approaching 2 out, driven out
always behind, pulled up before 11th
fell 1st
mid-division, outpaced approaching 9th, ridden and weakened from 4 out
tracked leaders, every chance 4 out, ridden and led briefly after next, kept on one pace
raced keenly and led, blundered 4th, headed 7th, blundered 9th, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leaders until ridden and weakened after 12th
always towards rear, pulled up before 2 out
The market should help shed some light on this contest but Just In Debt is the sort of horse that should thrive in Hunter Chases and gets the vote ahead of Andy Anshan, Plutocrat and Alpine Warrior. The selection won four times in his career under Rules but the highlight was probably his second to Silver Birch in the Becher Chase in 2004. He continued to perform with credit in some of the more competitive staying handicap chases but was struggling to get his head in front. He should find opportunities in this company and gets our vote. Andy Anshan represents top connections and is partnered by a talented amateur. He hasn't got many miles on the clock and is one to keep a close eye on. Plutocrat has been around the block more than once but retains his enthusiasm for the game as he showed when winning two Hunter Chases last year. Alpine Warrior unseated on his recent return between the flags but he had stayed on well to win at Carlisle in May and has to enter calculations on that form but Just In Debt is selected.
Plutocrat 4-1 (11-11) Led or with leader throughout, narrow lead last, ran on well, won at Wetherby 2m 7f hts chs (6) gf in May beating Imps Way (12-0) by 1l, 5 ran.
Alpine Warrior 6-1 (12-5) Led til unseated rider in race won by Behavingbadly (12-5) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd, 18 ran.
Encore Cadoudal (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Led 4 out til hdd & outpcd app last, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Interdit (11-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd.
Gangsters R Us (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, outpaced halfway, 4th of 10, 35l behind Carroll's O'Tully (10-0) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Oct.
Albatros (FR) 14-1 (12-5) Prom til wknd aft 12; pulled up in race won by Behavingbadly (12-5) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd, 18 ran.
Andy Anshan (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Towards rear, 9th approaching 4 out, soon no danger, 8th of 13, 13l behind Luxi River (11-12) at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs gd in Oct.
Belem Ranger (IRE) 12-1 (12-5) Nrst fin, 5th of 15, 26l behind Sonevafushi (12-5) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd.
Big Tree (FR) 20-1 (12-0) Lft in ld 3-7; wknd aft 14; pulled up in race won by Fiftyfive Degrees (12-0) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd, 17 ran.
Darab (POL) 16-1 (11-9) Led to after 2nd, chased leaders, pushed along after 7th, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Rushneeyriver (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Jul '06, 17 ran.
Harlov (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden when not fluent 4 out, kept on flat until no extra towards finish, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Sports Express (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct.
Just In Debt (IRE) 20-1 (9-12) Mid-division, lost place after halfway, behind from 5 out, 13th of 18, 35l behind Ponmeoath (10-1) at Listowel 3m hcp chs gf in Sept.
Sachsenwalzer (GER) 9-1 (10-0) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, hit 5th and 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, beaten when fell at the last in race won by Rookery Lad (11-0) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Jun '06, 10 ran.
Themanfromcarlisle 12-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, weakening when blundering 13th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Super Revo (10-3) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Jun, 19 ran.
Try Catch Paddy (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Mid-division, ridden 10th, tailed off, 8th of 12, well behind Categorical (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f clm chs (3) gs.
