with winner, slight lead after 4 out, disputing lead when fell 3 out
held up and behind, lost touch approaching 3 out, tailed off
started slowly, held up in rear, went 4th after 4 out, no impression when left 3rd 3 out
made virtually all, ridden approaching last, driven out
held up in touch, inclined to jump right from 7th, joined leaders when blundered 3 out, pushed along and every chance last, ridden and not quicken flat
Utility followed up a first win over fences at Uttoxeter by scoring over course and distance last month. Callum McKinnes again takes off 7lb but he’s still giving 5lb to SNAPDRAGON FIRE (NAP), who is rated 15lb superior over hurdles. Tom Lacey’s six-year-old won three times over the smaller obstacles last season but looks every inch a chaser. Red Inca was once a useful handicapper over hurdles but he’s now in the veteran stage and 0-7 over fences.
Utility (GER) 3-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, jumped right 2nd, progress to lead 2 out, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m (4) gd in Aug beating Landsman (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Torrent Des Mottes (FR) 9-2 (10-0) Raced wide, chased leaders, went 3rd 9th until ridden on home turn, went modest 3rd again last, lost 2 places towards finish, 5th of 6, 28 1/4l behind Storm Control (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Real Warrior (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Jumped right, made most until 13th, lost place 15th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out, at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Red Inca 5-2fav (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway 8th, hampered by loose horse before 2 out, ridden and every chance last, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Dragon Khan (10-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Snapdragon Fire (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Chased leader, led after 4 out, driven and headed last, held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Court Royale (10-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
