chased winner, challenged from 10th, disputing close 2nd when blundered badly 11th, no chance after, blundered 3 out
chased leading trio, not fluent, lost touch from 9th, left poor 3rd at 11th
made all, not fluent 8th, left clear after 11th, kept on strongly, eased flat
tracked leading pair, disputing close 2nd when blundered badly and unseated rider 11th
In the anticipated absence of Killaghy Castle, this looks a straightforward task for Fair Along, who can use this to further enhance his Arkle Chase claims. Victorias Groom makes more appeal than Monzon on the evidence available and is expected to pose the most problems. Monzon has a poor completion rate and, despite holding experience of fences in France, he needs to improve greatly if he is going to trouble the selection this afternoon. Therefore it falls to Victorias Groom to throw down the gauntlet. The gelding showed consistency over timber last season and can pay his way before too long. Killaghy Castle was withdrawn from an engagement at Kempton earlier in the week after he failed to eat up his feed at home. Nick Gifford has the quandary of what to do next and is unlikely to make any rash decisions about running his charge. Therefore, it is best to stick with the logical option and side with Fair Along. The four-year-old loves to set the tempo in his races and is fully expected to use this as his next stepping stone to greater things.
Killaghy Castle (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 7th, led narrowly 2 out, kept on well run-in, won at Newbury 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov beating Briareus (11-5) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Monzon (FR) 11-1 (11-2) Made most to 3 out, soon ridden, 3rd and weakening when fell 2 out in race won by It's Bertie (10-9) at Cartmel 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gf in Aug, 10 ran.
Fair Along (GER) 2-1 (10-13) Made most, hard pressed from 4 out, headed briefly 2 out, ridden approaching last, soon in command, driven clear flat, won at Sandown 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft beating My Way de Solzen (11-8) by 10l, 5 ran.
Victorias Groom (GER) 5-4fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, led before 4th, clear 3 out, blundered next, pushed out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Gidam Gidam (10-9) by 6l, 14 ran.
