left 3rd at 11th, not fluent 16th, led 2 out, in no danger when blundered last, drew clear flat
pressing leader when blundered and fell 11th
led until ridden and headed 2 out, stayed chasing winner but no chance, lost 2nd soon after last and weakened flat
tracked leaders, jumped slowly 6th, left 2nd 11th, blundered 3 out, blundered and lost 2nd 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd again soon after last but no chance with winner
All four have claims here, with the vote going narrowly to Impek over the other three. Unlike his rivals, Impek has an absence to overcome but has won at Sandown before, notably when claiming the scalp of Le Roi Miguel in the Extraman Trophy, (Registered As Henry VIII Novices' Chase) last December. Henrietta Knight's charge then went on to chase home Azertyuiop in the Arkle before being twice turned over by Le Roi Miguel, at Aintree and Punchestown. He is one to follow this season and should go close if fit enough. Chicuelo has let his supporters down on a few occasions in the past, and has failed to deliver on his past two visits to Sandown. However, he has been in good form this season and cannot be ruled out. Barito missed the Paddy Power after scoring at Cheltenham in October as he needs time between his races, but is a good jumper and also has claims. Intelligent, runner-up to Valley Henry in this 12 months ago, and successful in the Midlands National, has been primed for today, and should be spot on after his initial outing behind Edredon Bleu at Clonmel. All in all, this has the makings of a cracking contest, with Impek given the nod.
