took keen hold, jumped left, held up last, jumped badly left final circuit, went 3rd at 16th, blundered badly next, soon beaten, tailed off
tracked leading pair, blundered 6th, went 2nd before 12th, challenged from 15th, every chance when mistake 3 out, hung right in behind winner and no extra between last 2
tracked winner, mistake and reminder 4th, lost 2nd before 12th, dropped to last at 16th, struggling when refused 4 out
jumped right, made virtually all, joined 15th, pressed 3 out, in command between last two, stayed on gamely, ridden out
The Knoxs is far from foot-perfect and this is a big step up in trip for the Nicholls' gelding, though he has won over 3m on soft ground. SONA SASTA is far more likely to be staying on when others have cried enough as he regularly takes part in these long-distance events. He didn't run up to form at Newbury nine days ago but may not need to be at his best to beat winning pointer Mobaasher and Upham Atom, though the latter also stays well and is only a pound higher than successful over 3m4f at Wincanton just under a year ago.
The Knoxs (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, hampered 1st, not much room 3rd, headway next, not fluent 8th, hampered on bend after 5 out, lost place when mistake 4 out, mistake and no impression next, 6th of 11, 29l behind Pacha Du Polder (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs G3 (1) gd.
Sona Sasta (IRE) 4-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, jumped big and ridden 13th, soon lost place, well beaten 4 out, plugged on, 5th of 9, 29l behind Michel Le Bon (11-7) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd.
Mobaasher (USA) 2-1 (11-0) Went 2nd 13; outpcd 2 out; stayed on to ld cl home, won at Silverton 3m ptp sft in Feb beating Doof (11-0) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Upham Atom 15-2 (11-9) Tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along before 12th, went 4th before 2 out, one pace, 4th of 7, 12l behind Rebeccas Choice (11-0) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Feb.
