mistake 1st, tracked leaders, bumped 3rd, led after next, clear 14th, hit 3 out, went left next, virtually pulled up run-in
never fluent, slight lead until after 4th, chased leading pair until 10th, losing touch when blundered badly 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, went left next, chased winner from after 4th, not fluent 12th, no chance with winner when mistake 14th, lost poor 2nd last
held up last, closer in 4th place 6th, went 3rd 10th until weakened rapidly 13th, pulled up before next
tracked leading trio, dropped to 5th place at 6th, outpaced when pecked 11th, rallied into 3rd 13th, no chance with winner next, went poor 2nd last
Minella On Line won a 2m3f handicap here in November and was in touch when falling at Lingfield a few days later. He won't mind stepping up to this trip though it's difficult to see past ROYAL SALUTE. He gained his first success over fences at Fontwell but it's his two recent victories here that suggest he'll be capable of better from just 5lb higher. Tea Time Fred, a winner on fast ground at Stratford in May, came in for strong support at Taunton in December and was in touch when falling on the final circuit. Winning point-to-pointer Royals And Rebels didn't show much over hurdles but should do better over the bigger obstacles while You Say What has had just two runs over fences and may need more experience.
Minella On Line (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-7) Raced widest, tracked leader, hit 4th, went left 7th, lost 2nd after 9th, 2nd again 11th, went left again 12th, went left mistake and unseated rider next, at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
You Say What (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Mid-division, blundered and almost unseated rider 13th, behind and pulled up after next, at Exeter 3m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Royal Salute 9-4fav (11-11) With leader, led narrowly 8th, made rest, in command last, driven and stayed on run-in, won at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating Talk Of The South (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
Tea Time Fred 5-6fav (11-4) Tracking leader when fell 12th, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) gf in Dec.
Royals And Rebels (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Led, mistake 5th, not fluent 8th, headed before 2 out, soon lost place, 4th of 5, 16l behind Dingo Dollar (11-0) at Bangor 2m 7f mdn (4) gs in Jan.
