contested lead, led 2nd, joined 7th, led again before 8th, ridden after 3 out, headed close home
midfield, hit 6th, awkward 7th, in rear when hit 4 out and pushed, ridden after 2 out, kept on without ever threatening
midfield, towards rear when pushed after 4 out, some late headway
midfield, dived at 1st, in rear jumping 2nd, pushed after 10th, ridden before 3 out, made no impression
midfield, raced keenly, ridden in 2nd after 2 out, almost led jumping last, could not go with front pair late on
midfield, pushed in 4th after 3 out, just behind front pair jumping last, stayed on well under hands and heels, led close home
contested lead, tracked leader jumping 2nd, joined leader 7th, 2nd jumping 8th, pushed after 3 out, slow 2 out and soon weakened
Go Long made all under a big weight at Fontwell and these colours have been enjoying plenty of success lately but he may face competition for the lead here from Fanzio. Golden Taipan ran well for second at Wincanton and should be winning over fences before much longer but, after a very creditable first effort over the larger obstacles at Chepstow, GLAJOU (NAP) came good in impressive fashion at Southwell and is probably still ahead of the handicapper, despite a penalty. Master Work could also figure but has been a little disappointing the last twice.
Fanzio (FR) 9-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along after 12th, weakened before next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Golden Taipan (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Midfield, not fluent 2nd, ridden after 4 out, hit 3 out, progress to chase leaders last, kept on flat, 2nd of 9, 3 3/4l behind Tamaroc Du Mathan (11-5) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Go Long (IRE) 3-1 (12-2) Made all, ridden for effort before 2 out, stayed on well flat, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Bad Boy Du Pouldu (11-3) by 3 3/4l, 7 ran.
Boagrius (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Held up, headway 4 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, hit last, 5th of 9, 17l behind Mercian Prince (11-8) at Kempton 2m 2f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Glajou (FR) 5-2 (11-2) Held up just worse than midfield, travelled with ease over 3 out, niggled along to lead after 2 out, jumped last well, ran on flat, easily, won at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Shanacoole Prince (11-8) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
Master Work (FR) 11-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd 8th until before next, chased leaders, ridden and weakened between last 2, 5th of 10, 13 1/4l behind Lock's Corner (11-9) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Dandolo Du Gite (FR) 13-2 (11-12) Midfield, pulled into prominent position 2nd, led 3rd, clear 8th, headed before 4 out, weakened from 3 out, 7th of 11, 36 3/4l behind Minella For Me (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
