led to 5 out, with winner, ridden before 3 out, weakened 2 out
in rear and in touch, headway before 4 out, went 2nd on bit before 2 out, led narrowly last, soon headed, found no extra towards finish
tracked leaders in 3rd, weakened before 4 out
tracked leader, led 5 out, pressed and headed narrowly last, soon regained lead, kept on well towards finish
The improving Uno Valoroso was scheduled to run at Hexham yesterday so it remains to be seen if he'll turn up here. He would have outstanding claims if rerouted but, in his possible absence, we'll take another unexposed sort in TRUST THOMAS to follow up his victory over 2m here last month. He was getting the better of Clan William when that one came down at the last. Categorical is a standing dish here and has now won four times over course and distance. He's won off a higher mark in the past so has to be respected following a recent return to form but Pamak D'Airy returns from a break and Kai Broon showed little on his reappearance.
Categorical 4-1 (11-10) Led, ridden and headed before 2 out, left 2nd and looking well held when rallied to regain lead towards finish, won at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Nov beating Ros Castle (11-6) by nk, 5 ran.
Trust Thomas 9-1 (10-9) In rear early, towards rear, headway before 3 out, ridden in 2nd before 2 out, upsides leader when left in lead and clear last, won at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Nov beating Things Change (11-7) by 3l, 8 ran.
Kai Broon (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Held up behind, in touch, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 34l behind Montoya's Son (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 7-2 (11-1) In rear and in touch, pushed along after 3 out, went 3rd before last, one pace, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Shadrack (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in May.
Uno Valoroso (FR) 15-8fav (10-6) Led, headed 5 out, led 4 out, ridden before last, kept on well, won at Hexham 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Nov beating Alfred Oats (10-10) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
