tracked leaders, led after 2 out, stayed on strongly (2 fences omitted)
led until after 2 out, soon rallied, weakened flat
held up in rear, detatched halfway, steady headway 4 out, chased leaders 2 out, went 2nd final 100 yards, never near to challenge
chasing leader when fell 6th
held up in rear, chased leaders halfway, mistake 4 out, soon weakened
prominent, lost place 3 out, modest 3rd
CARA COURT proved he was versatile as to trip when bouncing back to form at Catterick nine days ago. He's won twice around here in the past and, though the penalty is a bit of a worry, few of his rivals arrive in any kind of form. Pamak D'airy is the exception and still well treated on his best form, despite a small rise since finishing second at Newcastle. But it's two years since he last won while it looks like course and distance winner Fred Bojangals is on a downward curve. Mia's Vic looks best of the rest as both Chicago Alley and Panthers Run are drawing their pension in racing terms.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 17-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 5 out, ridden before last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Cloverhill Lad (11-2) at Hexham 2m hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Dec.
Fred Bojangals (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Keen held up, ridden 9th, outpaced 11th, driven and some headway 3 out, no impression from next, 4th of 7, 21l behind Etxalar (11-10) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Mia's Vic (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 2nd 5 out, ridden and no extra before 2 out, weakened entering straight, 7th of 18, 37l behind Wrong Turn (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 5f cond hcp chs 0-116 in Dec.
Cara Court (IRE) 4-1 (10-8) Made all, ridden 2 out, kept on well last, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) sft beating Bocamix (11-9) by 2l, 4 ran.
Chicago Alley 18-1 (11-7) In touch, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Pistol Basc (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Dec.
Panthers Run 25-1 (9-11) Tracked winner, ridden and lost place 9th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 7, 45l behind Etxalar (11-10) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.