mistake 1st, in rear, outpaced 6th, driven and kept on from 4 out, disputed 2nd from after next, no impression
with leader, led after 3rd, jumped right from next, headed 8th, kept on same pace from 4 out, no chance with winner
jumped well, tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led 9th, drew clear from 3 out, eased flat, comfortably
raced wide, led until headed after 3rd, remained in touch, led again 8th to 9th, weakened 3 out
Stormy Beech, Mr Prickle and Transit are three against the field in a trappy affair and the vote is given to Mr Prickle. The seklection won well last time out when beating Stormy Beech and and on nearly identical terms with that rival here he is hard to oppose under conditions that suit. Stormy Beech is sure to have his supporters as he beat Loulou Nevernais in good style last time but there is no reason why he should beat the selection on these terms and is opposed on that basis. Transit has conditions to suit but looks vulnerable under top weight. Lucky Duck looks outclassed and for the winner we return to Mr Prickle.
Transit 8-1 (10-8) Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 5th of 13, 11l behind Majorca (10-3) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Dec.
Lucky Duck 12-1 (11-9) Prominent to 11th, 8th of 13, 34l behind Tevere (11-7) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Jun.
Mr Prickle (IRE) 4-1fav (11-1) Held up, headway 5 out, challenged next, led 3 out, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov beating Stormy Beech (10-3) by 6l, 8 ran.
Stormy Beech 8-1 (11-1) Made all, driven out, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Dec beating Loulou Nivernais (10-12) by 7l, 6 ran.
