tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, led narrowly after 10th, pushed along before 3 out, in command after 2 out, stayed on
with leader, led after 4th, headed after 10th, stayed with winner, ridden before 2 out, no impression approaching last
led, jumped right 4th, soon headed, mistake and last from 7th, struggling to keep up from 8th, behind 13th, tailed off
held up, closed 15th, jumped right 12th, outpaced by front pair 3 out, soon weakened
Only a pound separates BEAT THAT and Jacks Last Hope according to the handicapper and the market is likely to reflect that but Nicky Henderson’s 10-year-old is a former Grade 1 winner over hurdles and can add to his maiden success over fences at Newton Abbot. Chris Grant’s charge was also a useful hurdler and he’s yet to finish out of the frame over fences, though was a well-beaten last at Worcester last time. Special Prep should make a chaser but may need this and King Golan looks out of his depth.
Beat That (IRE) 4-11fav (11-0) Tracked front pair, went 2nd after 6th, led 10th, not fluent and headed briefly 14th, drew clear after 4 out, unchallenged after, very easily, won at Newton Abbot 3m 2f (3) gd in Aug beating Exxaro (11-6) by 32l, 6 ran.
Jacks Last Hope 2-1 (11-4) Chased winner who went clear 8th, joined for 2nd 11th, closer after 12th, dropped to 3rd 4 out, ridden and no extra before 2 out, last of 3, 22l behind Souriyan (11-4) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Jul.
King Golan (IRE) 14-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, mistakes, headway after 3rd, led 5th, clear briefly next, headed 13th, lost place before 4 out, 5th of 11, 26 3/4l behind Massini's Lady (10-9) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Special Prep (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, 2nd after 8th, challenged 2 out, led before last, clear flat, comfortably, won at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Marienstar (11-3) by 6l, 5 ran.
