made all, kept on gamely, driven out
chased leaders, hit 3rd and 6th, ridden after 4 out, kept on same pace from next
chased leaders, ridden after 10th, weakened after 3 out
held up, headway 11th, went 2nd after 13th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, kept on, no extra final 75 yards
held up, headway and hit 8th, 4th when stumbled badly and unseated rider 12th
held up behind, hampered 12th, pulled up before next
in touch, ridden after 12th, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
held up, headway approaching 13th, ridden to dispute close 2nd 2 out, kept on, no extra final 75 yards
jumped right, chased winner, ridden after 13th, soon weakened
mid-division, effort approaching 4 out, gradually faded
held up, hit 11th, headway and effort approaching 4 out, one pace from 2 out
in touch, ridden approaching 13th, effort and mistake 3 out, weakened
This race may not take a great deal of winning despite the numbers so the progressive Kings Euro has to be high on anyone's list whilst Minella Tipperary may well benefit from the drop in grade. However, we'll take a chance with Iconoclast. Tim Vaughan's flagbearer has only two defeats to his name and was the subject of glowing reviews after winning his chase bow at Towcester. His handler has been patient, his mark is fair but this is a different test so we're tempted to take him on as he could be short in the market. Minella Tipperary has been highly tried since winning in November, this easier company could well see him bounce back to form with conditions looking ideal. Stagecoach Diamond rates a mention as does Leicester winner Burren Legend but both look opposable here as does Sir Laughalot unless the ground dries out significantly. Double Dizzy and Ammunition aren't dismissed but Iconoclast has shown enough in novice contests to be of interest here. He needs to fence better than he has done to date but he appears to be improving with experience and has run well in the face of some stiff tasks. This trip should suit as should the switch to handicapping so Iconoclast gets our vote.
Kings Euro (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Made virtually all, ridden 2 out, held on well flat, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) hvy in Jan beating Alfasonic (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Minella Tipperary (IRE) 9-4 (11-5) Led to after 2nd, with leader, tracked leaders after 3rd, mistake and reminders 13th, ridden and weakened 15th, last of 4, 37l behind Leading Authority (11-5) at Exeter 3m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Jan.
Stagecoach Diamond 3-1 (11-0) Tracked winner, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, soon no extra, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Unowatimeen (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy.
Burren Legend (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) In touch, led 4th, made rest, clear from 3 out, unchallenged, won at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs beating Sheriff Roscoe (11-4) by 39l, 6 ran.
Iconoclast (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 11th, chased winner next, one pace approaching last, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Ruairi (10-11) at Folkestone 2m 5f mdn chs (4) gs in Jan.
Sir Laughalot 16-1 (11-12) Blundered 3rd, reminders after 7th, always behind and pulled up at the 9th in race won by Even More (11-1) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft, 9 ran.
Olay Olay (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Led, driven 2 out, jumped left last, hard ridden and headed flat, kept on, 2nd of 9, nk behind Bengo (11-2) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Dec.
Double Dizzy 7-1 (10-9) Held up, mistake 5th, ridden after 13th, effort approaching 3 out, no further impression, 4th of 8, 25l behind Kenzo III (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs.
Tanners Court 16-1 (10-4) Led, jumped right, headed 4 out, weakened after next, 4th of 9, 15l behind The Real Deal (10-6) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp chs (2) gs.
Ammunition (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 9th, weakening when mistake 4 out, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Phareight Dei (9-7) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 15 ran.
Royal Kicks (FR) 12-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, hampered 12th, mistake 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 9, well behind Shardakhan (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Historic Place (USA) 14-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 7th, stayed on from 3 out, 6th of 14, 27l behind Kornati Kid (11-9) at Exeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Jan.
