tracked leaders, led after 5th, pressed approaching last, headed soon after and no extra run-in
in rear, some progress from 3 out, never dangerous
not fluent, held up mid-division, blundered 3rd, lost place and behind before 10th, no chance
held up in touch, chased leaders 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out
held up, headway 3 out, pressed leader approaching last, soon led flat, ran on strongly
led after 1st, not fluent and headed after 5th, tracked leader afterwards, hit 9th, effort 3 out, weakened approaching last
behind, ridden to chase leaders 10th, effort 2 out, no extra approaching last, one pace flat and lost 3rd near finish
led until blundered 1st, tracked leader, lost place 5th, behind, never dangerous afterwards
towards rear, progress after 3 out, stayed on after last to take 3rd near finish
in touch, ridden after 10th, no impression and weakened after 3 out
Dempsey and Tikram are closely matched on their running over course and distance last month and have to be respected but preference is for Hoo La Baloo, who looks to be potentially well treated. The selection took advantage of some poor jumping by his rivals when landing a decent-looking novice chase over course and distance when last seen on Boxing Day and as his only defeat over fences has come at the hands of the useful Racing Demon, he clearly has plenty of ability. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has been allotted a mark of 147 for his handicap debut and he looks worth a bet. Sue Smith's Town Crier warmed up for this by taking advantage of a lenient handicap mark back over hurdles and now reverts to fences but he needs to improve to trouble the selection. Tysou is capable and has ground conditions to suit but is probably a shade high in the weights at present, while Irish raider Old Flame has a nice racing weight and is entitled to be thereabouts. Dempsey and Tikram obviously warrant respect but Hoo La Baloo looks well treated and he gets the vote.
Dempsey (IRE) 17-2 (11-12) Took keen hold, tracked leaders 4th, led 6th, in command 2 out, kept on gamely flat, won at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Jan beating Tikram (11-12) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Locksmith 40-1 (11-7) Pulled hard, pressed leader to 6th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 7, 32l behind Kauto Star (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (A) sft in Dec.
Tikram 15-2 (11-12) Held up in touch, headway 3 out, chased winner after last, kept on, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Dempsey (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Jan.
Town Crier (IRE) 11-4fav (11-1) In touch, led 5th, headed next, led on bit 3 out, clear run-in, easily, won at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan beating Chef de Cour (11-5) by 11l, 12 ran.
Tysou (FR) 4-1fav (11-10) Chased winner 9th, no impression from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Dempsey (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Jan.
Hoo La Baloo (FR) 10-11fav (10-13) Led to 4th, left in lead 6th, looked likely winner when left alone 2 out, won at Sandown 2m nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Dec beating Exotic Dancer (11-9) by a , 4 ran.
Bambi de L'Orme (FR) 11-2 (10-9) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, jumped left and weakened next, beaten when mistake last, 7th of 10, 16l behind Bold Bishop (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs (B) gs in Nov.
Old Flame (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, took closer order 4 out, 2nd and challenged approaching 3 out, no impression from next, kept on, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Fota Island (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Kalca Mome (FR) 9-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 6th, outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, ridden and switched right approaching last, stayed on flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Tanikos (11-3) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan.
Jurado Express (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Chased leader to 5th, remained handy, chased winner when jumped left 4 out and next, weakened flat, 3rd of 5, 6l behind Master Rex (11-9) at Windsor 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Nov '04.
