held up, headway 7th, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, led last, ran on
chased leaders, not fluent 2nd (water), weakened after 9th
not always fluent, held up, mistake 1st, headway 10th, driven after 3 out, soon beaten
led, jumped right 3rd and 9th, saddle slipped on bend after 2 out, headed last, switched left flat, no extra, lost 2nd and eased towards finish
chased leader, reminder after 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, outpaced after 2 out, rallied last, stayed on to take 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner
Nonrunner
It's not saying much but this is just about the best race on the card and Tacinja is taken to land it, while Forest Miller and Tanners Court can go well. Trainer Paul Blockley has a 29 per cent strike rate here in recent seasons, and the few runners he has over the sticks always merit consideration. Tacinja clearly enjoyed the step up in trip last time and this extra furlong will be more in his favour. He acts on the ground too and is taken to go in. Heart Springs would prefer faster ground and course winner Tanners Court, who took a maiden hurdle at the track, stays well and won't mind this ground either, and this is easier than some of his recent runs so he can be thereabouts. Low Delta has been thrashed in recent starts and has plenty to prove, while Forest Miller will love the ground and trip and would not be the biggest shock winner at the track. Even so, Tacinja looks capable of a bit of improvement and that may well be enough to win this.
Heart Springs 9-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders until mistake and unseated rider at the 13th in race won by Marvellous Dream (10-7) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (4) gf, 5 ran.
Amazing Valour (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Mid-division, lost place after 4th, tailed off when pulled up at the 9th in race won by BallyGalley Bob (10-11) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Low Delta (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-4) Held up, steady headway 11th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 10, well behind Madam Harriet (10-3) at Chepstow 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.
Junctiontwentyfour 12-1 (11-2) Led, headed 8th, chased leader until weakened 5 out, 8th of 15, 34l behind Atouchbetweenacara (11-11) at Bangor 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Forest Miller 11-2 (11-0) Held up, always towards rear, 4th of 10, 26l behind Hazeljack (9-7) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy.
Tanners Court 33-1 (10-7) Chased winner, ridden after 13th, soon weakened, 9th of 12, well behind Kings Euro (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Feb.
Tacinja (GER) 10-3fav (11-0) Held up, headway 4th, chased winner approaching 2 out, every chance last, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 8, hd behind Just Jaffa (11-9) at Towcester 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft.
