keen disputed lead until led 6th, headed soon after 8th, ridden next, weakened 2 out
disputed lead until 6th, tracked leader, ridden 8th, soon lost place, weakened 2out
close up, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, good jump to lead soon after 8th, ridden 6 lengths clear 2 out, reduced lead at last, headed towards finish
held up, headway to chase leader 4 out, not fluent next, 6 lengths down 2 out, driven and stayed on to lead towards finish
Miller Of Glanmire's only victory to date came on heavy going in Ireland and this may prove too quick while the maiden Noble Friend seems better over hurdles. Proud Times has managed to win seven races but is probably better over further but Venetian Lad gained the sixth chasing victory of his career on Boxing Day at Fontwell and can usually be relied on to go well in this sort of class. SPORTSREPORT gained two very easy victories at Lingfield last backend in-between a moderate run at Wincanton. The ground was testing for those victories but he's run well enough on good ground to be handed the verdict.
Miller Of Glanmire (IRE) 9-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, outpaced before 3 out, left modest 4th next, no impression, 4th of 6, 49l behind Morgan's Bay (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Feb.
Proud Times (USA) 5-1 (11-9) Led, headed after 4 out, soon outpaced, 3rd of 4, 14l behind Uno Valoroso (10-3) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Venetian Lad 4-1 (11-12) In lead going to 3 out, not fluent next, headed last, rallied to regain lead towards finish (no time taken), won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec beating The Sneezer (11-10) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Sportsreport (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, drew clear next, easily (1 fence ommited), won at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-100 (5) hvy in Dec beating Lamb's Cross (11-10) by 10l, 6 ran.
Noble Friend (IRE) 11-1 (10-4) Held up in mid-division, headway 4th, lost place 3 out, modest 5th when mistake last, weakened flat, 5th of 8, 23l behind Pearls Legend (11-5) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Feb.