held up in touch, ridden after 4 out, one pace, no impression after
in touch, mistake 7th, led 11th, 6 lengths clear when fell 2 out
held up towards rear, mistake 9th, weakened after next
prominent, weakened approaching 10th
always towards rear
held up, headway halfway, hit 6 out, 3 lengths down in 2nd when fell 3 out
tracked leaders, blundered 6th, soon pushed along, no impression from 4 out
mid-division, mistake 2nd, blundered badly 3rd, pulled up after
led, headed 11th, chased leader, left 2nd 3 out, left in lead and slightly hampered 2 out when clear
towards rear, reminders after 9th, weakened approaching 10th, pulled up before next
with leader, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
prominent, left poor 2nd 2 out, no impression
in touch, pushed along when fell 5 out
A wide open contest gets proceedings underway and many can be given chances on their best form but the principals look to be Toon Trooper, Jonny's Kick and Roman Court and the tentative vote is given to Toon Trooper. The selection was a fair second in a better race last time out behind Lord Brock. This looks easier and off the same mark here he will be hard to beat. Jonny's Kick rates the main danger on his best form but he was very disappointing last time out. However this faster surface should suit and he should be monitored in the market. Roman Court was a fair fourth behind Glacial Delight last time and is another with place claims but he was let down by his jumping at a vital stage last time and at likely odds he looks worth taking on. Opportunity Knocks has dropped to a handy mark and could go well at a price with his small yard continuing in good form so he is another to consider, but in an open affair for the winner we return to Toon Trooper.
Protagonist 15-2 (11-1) Held up, led after 7th, headed 8th, ridden next, weakened 3 out, 7th of 12, well behind Passenger Omar (11-2) at Warwick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft in Dec.
Toon Trooper (IRE) 12-1 (9-13) Held up, headway 10th, led 13th, ridden and headed 2 out, hung left and weakened flat, 2nd of 10, 10l behind Lord Brock (11-2) at Haydock 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.
Vanormix (FR) 14-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, ridden 4 out, one pace and no impression from next, 4th of 9, well behind Elfkirk (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft.
Jonny's Kick 11-2 (11-3) Led and mistake, headed 12th, blundered next, weakened after 4 out pulled up at the last in race won by El Andaluz (10-3) at Market Rasen 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
Quatrain (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Led to 4th, chased leaders, weakened 2 out, left poor 3rd last, 3rd of 12, 30l behind He's The Gaffer (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-95 (F) gd in Dec.
Roman Court (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) In touch, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out, 4th of 15, 16l behind Glacial Delight (11-11) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Bobsourown (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Held up, blundered 6th, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 40l behind King Barry (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (F) gd in Dec.
Opportunity Knocks 12-1 (9-13) Chased leader, ridden 10th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 9, well behind Rosses Point (10-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
