tracked leaders, outpaced after 3 out, stayed on to chase winner before last, no impression
tracked leaders, went 2nd before 5 out, weakened from 2 out
held up mid-division, weakened after 3 out
held up mid-division, weakened after 3 out
held up mid-division, weakened from 3 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, led before 2 out, clear soon after, ran on strongly
always towards rear
held up behind, headway to chase leaders 3 out, weakened before last
led, headed before 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division, pushed along before and mistake 5 out, tailed off when jumped right 3 out
always towards rear, tailed off after 3 out
This is arguably the most competitive race on the card with Able Deputy one for the short-list following an improved third at Cheltenham last month. The drop in trip may not suit Fontwell third Frizzo, however, while Manor Court and Thomas Crapper both tackle hurdles for the first time. Balinroab won an Irish point-to-point before finishing fifth in a Haydock bumper but Jonjo O'Neill looks to have stronger claims with the well-bred KEEP KICKING. Ahead of Frizzo when runner-up in a bumper at Sandown in November, the five-year-old has the scope to make his mark over timber and is started off at a realistic level. True Blue won twice between the flags last year but his hurdles form so far has been disappointing.
Able Deputy 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, chased leaders 2 out, effort between last 2, went 3rd last, ridden and stayed on flat, no impression with leading pair, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Darlan (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (3) gd in Dec.
Agree To Differ (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Towards rear, headway over 5f out, chased leaders over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression final furlong, 6th of 14, 17l behind Greenlaw (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (5) gd in Oct.
Balinroab (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Raced wide, mid-division, in touch halfway, outpaced 3f out, hung left and lost place over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 9, 14l behind Benign Dictator (11-0) at Haydock 2m NH flat (4) gs in Nov.
Black Cache (IRE) 150-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, soon behind, 12th of 16, dis behind Valid Reason (11-5) at Towcester 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Frizzo (FR) 11-1 (10-12) Raced on inside, tracked leading trio, went 3rd at 4th, went 2nd before 2 out, lost 2nd approaching last, kept on under pressure flat, 3rd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Financial Climate (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Keep Kicking (IRE) 7-2fav (11-7) In touch, steady headway over 3f out, went 2nd 2f out, driven to challenge over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Circular Quay (11-0) at Sandown 2m NH flat (6) sft in Nov.
Oscar Nominee (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, stumbled 4f out, soon ridden,3rd entering straight, soon no impression, 8th of 24, 13l behind King Vuvuzela (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 4yo nhf gd in May.
Struanmore 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off, 11th of 15, 35l behind Sole Survivor (10-12) at Warwick 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Thomas Crapper 11-2 (11-2) Mid-division on inside, switched outside over 4f out, headway 3f out, challenged over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression when lost 2nd post, 3rd of 14, 4l behind Greenlaw (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (5) gd in Oct.
True Blue (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Led, headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 24l behind Gores Island (10-7) at Towcester 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) gs in Dec.
Remmyniss 80-1 (10-9) Always in rear, struggling from 7f out, 8th of 10, well behind Jukebox Melody (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Nov '10.
Water Rose 250-1 (10-0) Always in rear, mistake 1st, never dangerous, 12th of 15, well behind Minsky Mine (10-12) at Leicester 2m 4yo nov stks (4) gs in Dec.
Manor Court (IRE) 6-5fav (11-0) Held up in rear and raced wide, headway on inner halfway, chased winner over 5f out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 5, 20l behind Ashes House (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m nhf (6) sft in Nov.
