in touch, tracked leader from 9th, ridden 3 out, held by leader approaching last when left in lead
held up, hit 6th, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, led 2 out, clear and in command when fell last
held up, ridden 9th, weakened next
tracked leader, hampered by loose horse 5th, weakened 3 out, left poor 3rd when unseated rider last
always in rear, jumped left 3rd, mistake 9th, tailed off and fell 3 out
mistake and unseated rider 2nd
led and soon clear, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, left 2nd last
mistake and unseated rider 2nd
A fascinating handicap chase that could fall to Nanga Parbat, but there are dangers lurking everywhere including Grey Brother, Royal Hector and Direct Flight. The selection is the youngest in the field and is making his chase debut, He was a decent juvenile hurdler last season and has continued that success this campaign. The fact that Paul Nicholls is sending this one chasing so soon suggests he has shown plenty of ability at home and he he gets a narrow verdict. Royal Hector was a smart hurdler for Martin Pipe last season and made a winning chase debut for Jonjo. He does look a little high in the weights here, but should still make his presence felt. Direct Flight landed his first chase event in November and was just pipped on his handicap debut last time, he is on the upgrade and looks a certainty for some place money. Grey Brother was well backed on his return from a long holiday but was badly hampered and was eventually pulled up in a decent looking event. He gets in here with a nice racing weight and it would be no surprise to see this one in there fighting at the death. Bishop's Bridge and Balladeer have done little wrong recently and are also worthy of a mention, but is a wide open event we have to pick one and that is Nanga Parbat.
Royal Hector (GER) 14-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, chased leading pair from 9th, outpaced 4 out and ridden, chased winner after 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Voy Por Ustedes (11-2) at Warwick 2m nov chs (C) sft in Dec.
Direct Flight (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, led on bit after 3 out, ridden 2 out, headed last, ran on, not pace of winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Desert Quest (11-6) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Dec.
Pardishar (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, every chance 2 out, led next, driven and headed near finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Migwell (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (D) gd in Dec.
Bishop's Bridge (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, left in lead 3rd, headed 5th, led 2 out, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov chs (D) gs in Dec beating Detonateur (11-3) by 2l, 5 ran.
Grey Brother 6-1 (11-3) Held up, badly hampered 2nd, not recover and pulled up at the 5th in race won by Montgermont (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f beg chs (4) gs, 10 ran.
Balladeer (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, hit 10th, led 4 out, clear 2 out, eased flat, won at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (E) sft in Dec beating De Blanc (10-7) by 8l, 9 ran.
Big Bone (FR) 13-2 (11-4) Behind, some headway from 2 out, nearest finish, 5th of 10, 28l behind Mr Dinglawi (10-11) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft in Mar.
Nanga Parbat (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Held up, stayed on from 2 out, ran on flat to take 2nd near finish, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Albarino (11-0) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Dec.
