in touch, blundered and lost, placed 7th and dropped to rear, blundered 9th, mistake 11th, headway under pressure on long run to 4 out, beaten next
held up in touch, blundered 4th, effort and blundered 3 out, held when left 3rd and slightly hampered last
not jump well, behind, blundered first, mistakes 7th and 9th, no chance when blundered 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, chased winner from 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, about 2 lengths down and held when fell last
always prominent, went 2nd 12th, mistakes 13th, lost 2nd 3 out, 3rd and no chance when left 2nd last
prominent, chased winners 6th to 12th, weakened and lost touch after 13th
made all, mistake 4 out, pressed and mistake 2 out, about 2 lengths ahead when left clear last
always in rear, blundered 4th, ridden from 8th, driven and not look keen after 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
Nonrunner
The Sussex National looks wide-open and only a tentative vote goes to Fasgo over Jurancon 11, Coole Spirit, Sir Frosty and River Bug. Fasgo ran well on a number of occasions last season without due reward, but the step up in trip seemed to suit when he was a good second at Warwick in December. After a breathing operation in the summer, he came back with a bang at Newton Abbot just less than three weeks ago, on what was his first start for nine months, and should be spot on for this stamina test. Mr Markham has shown little since winning this contest 12 months ago, but the runner-up River Bug kept his form and can make a bold bid for the frame again if fit. Jurancon 11 has topweight but shaped like a young horse with a big future when landing the Summer National at Uttoxeter in June. He will be aimed at all the big staying contests this season and can go close here as well. Sir Frosty was consistent from limited outings last term and Coole Spirit comes from a stable on the rise. Throw in Just Maybe and Multi Talented and you have the makings of a cracking renewal, one that can go to Fasgo.
