tracked leaders, driven to challenge 3 out, soon one pace, lost 3rd closing stages
made all, quickened clear after 2 out, stayed on strongly
held up in rear, lost touch after 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, stayed on to go 3rd after last, never able to challenge
held up in touch, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner before next, kept on under pressure
CAPTAIN CONAN's defeat of Sire De Grugy in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham was franked when the runner-up won easily at Lingfield next time. Third Intention was only third in that race and re-opposes on identical terms. Hinterland was surprisingly beaten by Theatre Guide on his chasing bow at Exeter. He needs to brush up his jumping and the form hasn't worked out while Act Of Kalanisi has more to do than when winning at Leicester, though is improving with experience. Escort'men had some decent form over hurdles for Paul Nicholls but has his first run for a new yard here and has shown little in three starts over fences.
Act Of Kalanisi (IRE) 7-4 (11-0) Tracked leader, challenged 3 out, not fluent last, soon led, clear final 100 yards, ran on, won at Leicester 2m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Ciceron (11-0) by 7l, 7 ran.
Captain Conan (FR) 11-10fav (11-2) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 10th, led 3 out, hard pressed last, soon ridden, kept on and in command final 75 yards, won at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Nov beating Sire De Grugy (11-2) by 2l, 6 ran.
Escort'men (FR) 33-1 (10-4) Held up in touch in rear, took keen hold, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 7, 27l behind Zarkandar (11-10) at Wincanton 2m Ltd hcp hdl (1) gs in Nov.
Third Intention (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Held up behind in touch, pecked 6th, headway 3 out, effort next, stayed on to take 3rd last, no impression with front pair, 3rd of 6, 8l behind Captain Conan (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Hinterland (FR) 4-9fav (10-7) Tracked leader, led 3rd, headed after next, bad mistake 6th, led next, clear after 8th until 4 out, went right 3 out, headed next, no extra flat, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Theatre Guide (11-1) at Exeter 2m 1f nov chs (2) gs in Nov.