soon held up in 4th, no chance and losing touch when blundered 13th
soon struggling in rear, reminders 6th, tailed off when blundered 8th
chased leading pair throughout, hit 12th, struggling after 4 out, tailed off when blundered 2 out
tracked leader, blundered 7th, given time to recover, closed approaching 3 out, challenged and going best 2 out, soon led, quickened to go clear flat, comfortably
led, clear advantage 7th, pushed along and pressed 3 out, ridden and headed soon after 2 out, not pace of winner flat
PUNCHESTOWNS can pick up this prize at the expense of Tchico Polos and Pocket Aces. Nicky Henderson's charge was a very smart hurdler but connections have always had the idea of chasing at the back of their minds and he duly delivered in emphatic style at Newbury. His attempts to get a follow up run have been thwarted by the weather but this race should provide valuable experience before a return to Prestbury Park. Tchios Polos is likely to be tried under positive tactics. He took a heavy fall at Kempton last time out when very tired. The drop back to 2m4f should suit and if there is any ringrust about the favourite, he may be in a position to capitalise. Pocket Aces was pulled up in the same race. A winner of two chases, he is a credit to connections but would need to find serious improvement to trouble the market leaders. Commanche Dream and Final Bid should have little chance on any racecourse evidence thus far and it is to be hoped that their respective connections enjoy a good day out at the races. A much awaited return for Punchestowns and he is likely to be priced accordingly.
Commanche Dream 100-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, weakening when mistake 3 out, last of 5, 44l behind The Nightingale (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chase (4) sft in Jan.
Final Bid (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Led to 2nd, chased leaders, weakened 8th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind My Moment (11-0) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Pocket Aces (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, lost place 11th, behind when pulled up 3 out, in a race won by Long Run (11-0) at Kempton 3m nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec, 7 ran.
Punchestowns (FR) 2-9fav (11-1) Tracked leader to 4th, close up, challenged 12th, led 4 out, cleared from 2 out very easily, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) gs in Nov beating Martys Mission (11-8) by 7l, 4 ran.
Tchico Polos (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Led, soon clear, headed 3 out, weakening and 25 lengths in 3rd when fell last, in a race won by Long Run (11-0) at Kempton 3m nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec, 7 ran.
