held up in touch, went 2nd at 9th, challenged when not fluent 5 out, blundered 3 out, soon beaten
chased leaders, 4 lengths down in 4th when fell 13th
always behind, weakened from 11th
led to 10th, weakened approaching 13th
prominent, led 10th, headed 13th, weakened next
behind when fell first
held up in touch, led 13th, clear after 3 out
Big Al represents a stable in red-hot form and he is taken to win again, with Blazing Hills and Arctic Ghost capable of laying down strong challenges. The selection, a recent winner at Fontwell has the ability to win again. He hasn't always been the most reliable of horses but if he is allowed to get his own way in front today then we may have a repeat of Fontwell. However, he may get taken on for the lead here as Blazing Hills likes to blaze a trail and also Arctic Ghost was ridden fairly prominently last year when recording back to back wins. The last-named is sure to strip fitter for his recent outing and whilst there may be slight nagging doubts that he is high enough in the weights, there still may be more improvement to come from this giant grey. Star Fever would be a threat if improving in the jumping stakes, especially as he goes well fresh. Innisfree has claims on the pick of his runs, however it is Big Al who can win again.
Arctic Ghost 7-2fav (10-8) Held up, effort 10th, weakened approaching 4 out, 10th of 13, 36l behind Bafana Boy (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Innisfree (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Close up, led 14th, mistake 3 out, headed when not fluent last, soon beaten, 4th of 8, 15l behind Sports Express (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct.
Star Fever (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Prominent, led after 12th until 14th, stumbled next, ridden when unseated rider 3 out in race won by Caipiroska (10-0) at Perth 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in May, 12 ran.
Blazing Hills 11-1 (11-12) Made all, hit 10th, ridden 4 out, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 3m hcp chs (5) gf beating Super Revo (11-4) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Big Al (IRE) 6-1 (9-9) Made all, pecked 11th, ridden out, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd beating Lusaka De Pembo (11-8) by 5l, 8 ran.
Farington Lodge (IRE) 9-1 (11-8) Fell in race won by Blazing Hills (11-12) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs (5) gf, 11 ran.
Lost In Normandy (IRE) 9-1 (10-3) Mid-division, headway 9th, ridden after 12th, weakened 15th, 5th of 13, 24l behind Caislean Na Deirge (10-13) at Ludlow 3m amt hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Oct.
