prominent, getting outpaced when blundered 13th, soon behind, tailed off
made most to 17th, jumped left from 4 out, hung left approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace but no impression on winner after
chased leader, led 17th, mistake 4 out, soon ridden, about 5 lengths ahead when stumbled after landing 2 out, stayed on
held up, not fluent 7th, in touch 13th, behind 15th
held up, not fluent 6th, reminders after 9th and 10th, pushed on after 14th, soon lost touch, hit 16th, pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, not fluent 6th, mistake 8th, challenged from 13th, hit 16th, ridden and beaten after 4 out
Trust Fund was an impressive winner when successful at Wincanton on his reappearance earlier this month and a reproduction of that effort will see the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding hard to beat so he gets the vote, with the main threats rated as Harrycone Lewis and King Harald. The last mentioned took advantage of a dropping mark when winning at Fakenham earlier this month and he has to be respected but this looks tougher, especially off his new mark. Si Grand is less exposed than either Harry's Dream or Mr Fluffy, who make limited appeal but a more serious danger is likely to come from Harrycone Lewis. Carl Llewellyn's gelding was good value for his win here last month but a 13lb rise for that success looks harsh and preference is for Trust Fund, who was a comfortable winner on his return.
Harrycone Lewis 8-1 (11-4) Made most to 12th, chased leader, regained lead 4 out, in command approaching 2 out, soon clear and stayed on strongly, won at Newbury 3m 2f amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov beating Meggie's Beau (11-0) by 13l, 9 ran.
King Harald (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Led, headed 11th, ridden 13th, stayed on to lead close home, won at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs beating Cool Roxy (11-9) by 1l, 5 ran.
Trust Fund (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Made all, clear from 17th, unchallenged, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft beating Fine By Me (10-12) by 18l, 9 ran.
Harry's Dream 20-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, hit 5th and 11th, some headway 12th, weakened after 4 out, 5th of 10, 38l behind Black Hills (11-5) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Si Grand (FR) 22-1 (11-7) Held up in touch, blundered 3rd, headway when carried out at the 9th in race won by Canada Street (11-0) at Wetherby 3m 2f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft, 7 ran.
Mr Fluffy 20-1 (11-8) Not fluent, held up in rear, mistake 9th, soon struggling, tailed off, 7th of 12, 38l behind Cruising River (11-5) at Ascot 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
