tracked leader, weakened after 6th, soon beaten
led, headed 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, soon led, hit next and soon headed
in touch, smooth headway 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on to lead run-in
in touch, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed after next, weakened from last
held up towards rear, headway from 6th, ridden and challenged 3 out, every chance last, no extra run-in
tracked leaders until weakened approaching 6th, soon beaten
Credit can prove to be an able deputy for Akilak, with Hue and Always Flying put up as the main dangers in the day's feature race. Howard Johnson would no doubt have had this sewn up if he had decided to let the current Triumph Hurdle favourite Akilak stand his ground, but the fact that he lets Credit run instead may be a compliment to the son of Intikhab who found only the highly-rated Carte Diamond too good on his debut over hurdles here 10 days ago. Afterwards, Johnson was adamant that the tables would be turned if and when they met again, but it is unlikley to be at Cheltenham in March as Credit is more likely to be aimed at Aintree, a track that will suit his style of running. Successful on the Flat for Richard Hannon, hr has that touch of class and will relish the fast ground today. Carte Diamond's trainer Brian Ellison, relies on ex-French Hue who was a promising third to Don't Call Me Derek on his recent British introduction at Catterick. It is too early to assess his merits but he could be one to follow and the trainer obviously has a line to work on. He should improve enough at least to turn the tables on Coming Again who was ahead of him at Catterick and looks booked for a place. Always Flying has won on the all-weather in the past and makes most appeal of the rest, but Credit is definitely the one to beat
Courant d'Air (IRE) 25-1 Mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 33l behind Diego Cao at Sandown 2m 4yo nov hdl (C) gs in Jan.
Always Flying (USA) 7-1 Led, soon clear, hit 5th, headed approaching last, soon left in lead, hampered last, headed towards finish, one pace, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Mount Vettore at Musselburgh 2m 3yo nov hdl (C) gf in Dec.
Coming Again (IRE) 10-1 Chased leaders, left in lead 2nd, headed 3rd, remained close up, ridden after 3 out, kept on, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Dont Call Me Derek at Catterick 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) gs.
Credit (IRE) 7-2 Tracked winner, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Carte Diamond at Musselburgh 2m 4yo nov hdl (D) gf.
Nerone (GER) 8-1 Pulled hard, held up, headway 4th, effort 3 out, weakened next, tailed off, 7th of 12, well behind Habitual Dancer at Kelso 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (E) gd.
Rehearsal 5-2 Held up, hampered after 3rd, chasing leaders 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching last, 7th of 16, 25l behind Dont Call Me Derek at Catterick 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) gs.
Starbright 100-1 In touch until weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off, 4th of 6, well behind Carte Diamond at Musselburgh 2m 4yo nov hdl (D) gf.
