led until 3rd, soon lost place under pressure, driven and rallied approaching last, stayed on into well held 2nd.final 110 yards
soon chased leader, led briefly 3 out, chased winner after, hit 2 out, no impression before last, lost 2nd final 110 yards
took keen hold, held up tracking leaders, headway to lead 3rd, hit 5th, headed 3 out, weakened before 2 out, eased
held up in last pair, driven along 3rd, struggling after, well beaten 7th when blundered and nearly unseated rider 2 out and pulled up
took keen hold, held up tracking leaders, effort going well after 3 out, 3rd when hit 2 out, weakened before last
held up behind leaders, weakened before 2 out, well held in 5th when hit last
took keen hold, tracking leaders, ridden and struggling 4th, well behind when hit 3 out tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, led after 3 out, in command before 2 out, stayed on strongly
ACCORDING is our selection from the Nicky Henderson team though he faces stern opposition in the form of Anak and Kings Troop. A winner in the French provinces on the flat, its worth noting that he was only half-a-length behind Group 1 performer, Daryakana, at Deauville in August and if he were to take to the winter game, he could prove very useful indeed. Anak has looked quirky at times though has shown an aptitude for testing conditions. Tony McCoy looks set to be earning his riding fee today. Kings Troop was rated in the 80's on the flat. A modest effort first time out should be improved upon especially as the yard seem to be back in form. Prince Pippin won at Folkestone and Plumpton though has been well held when tried at the more illustrious venues. Dannios was no great shakes on the flat and will need to have improved. Valid Point exploited the handicap system to record five successes on the level last year. He cost a fair sum at the Newmarket sales in October and faces a baptism of fire at this grade. Diktalina won well at Folkestone in heavy going and is worthy of respect if the money speaks in her favour. A good race to start a fair card and According gets our verdict.
Anak (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Made most until narrowlly headed 3 out, led again before 2 out, pressed 2 out, in command before last, stayed on well, driven out, won at Kempton 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Ciceron (10-12) by 9l, 9 ran.
Prince Pippin (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, led 6th, ridden and headed between last 2, mistake and lost 2nd last, no extra, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Advisor (11-4) at Ascot 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
According (9-4) won at Saint-Cloud(FR) 1m 6f stk sft in Oct beating Selagan (9-4) by 1/2l, 6 ran (flat).
Dannios 8-1 (9-3) Towards rear, reminders and not keen halfway, well behind final 3f, last of 11, well behind Squad (9-2) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Aug (flat).
Kings Troop 9-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up, slow jump 3rd, ridden 3 out, no chance when hit 2 out, 5th of 11, 48l behind Orzare (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Rajamand (FR) 5-1 (10-12) Prominent, hit 4th, blundered 3 out, chased winner soon after until weakened before last, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Orzare (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Valid Point (IRE) 4-6fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along 4f out, effort 2f out, weakened 1f out, last of 5, 4l behind Lucky Punt (8-13) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Sep (flat).
Diktalina 11-4 (10-5) Tracked leaders, always travelling well, led approaching last, soon in command, won at Folkestone 2m 1f Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (4yo) (4) sft in Jan beating Open Day (10-12) by 9l, 8 ran.
