held up towards rear, steady headway approaching straight, ridden 3f out, soon outpaced
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, soon one pace and no impression leaders
took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 3f out
pulled up and dismounted after 2f
chased leaders, ridden and stayed on same pace final 2f
chased leaders, pushed along and weakened before straight, tailed off
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind, ridden and struggling halfway, tailed off
held up in rear, never in contention
held up, steady headway 5f out, challenged going well 2f out, led over 1f out, headed near finish
held up towards rear, steady headway into mid-division 5f out, chased leaders 3f out, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, rallied gamely to regain lead near finish
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent to halfway, soon struggling, tailed off
GENERAL KUTUZOV ran an eyecatching race at Sandown on debut so earns the nomination in the finale although there are a host of interesting newcomers in opposition. Chief amongst those are Silver Blondin, Chapolimoss and Doctor Pat while money for Priors Glen would bring him into the equation. Aqualung has run pretty well on all three starts but looks vulnerable and Fabian The Fox could be one of several to improve past him having shaped really well at Cheltenham. Cardinal James caught the eye on debut at this track and could be one to show up well at a bigger price but Nick Gifford's charge gets the nod. The form of his run at Sandown is working out nicely and there was a lot to like about the way that he stayed on up the hill in the closing stages. General Kutuzov can lead them home.
Across The Straits (FR) 6-1 (10-7) Always in the rear, 7th of 15, 24l behind Tataniano (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Aqualung (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, every chance over 2f out, soon ridden, one pace, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Flemmingsbond (11-2) at Ludlow 2m nhf (4) gs in Nov.
Cardinal James (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Towards rear, pushed along 3f out, never dangerous, 9th of 18, 19l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Caspars Reflection (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Keen, hung left throughout, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 10, 20l behind Springfield Raki (11-7) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Chapolimoss (FR) Trempolino gelding out of Chamoss.
Doctor Pat (IRE) Definite Article colt out of Bilboa.
Dunbrody House Needle Gun gelding out of Lucky Baloo.
Fabian The Fox 50-1 (11-0) Pressed leader, still every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 17, 6l behind According To Dick (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gd in Oct.
General Kutuzov (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 19, 6l behind Bensalem (11-0) at Sandown 2m nhf (4) sft in Nov.
Giggles O'Shea (IRE) Clerkenwell gelding out of Carrick Shannon.
Jetlag (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Held up, pushed along over 5f out, soon outpaced, 11th of 14, 37l behind Moorlands Teri (10-2) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (5) sft.
Mansolias (FR) Mansonnien gelding out of Popie D'ecorcei.
Priors Glen (IRE) Great Palm gelding out of The Red Wench.
Qroktou (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Never better than mid-division, 10th of 19, 10l behind Bensalem (11-0) at Sandown 2m nhf (4) sft in Nov.
Silver Blondin Silver Patriarch horse out of Balancing Act.
Champagne Star 66-1 (10-9) Towards rear, ridden and weakened 6f out, 10th of 13, well behind Megabill (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) gs in Nov.
