chased winner, ridden after 4 out, pecked next, held when left 2nd last
jumped left, made all, hit 2nd and 7th, hard pressed from 3 out, left 3 length clear last, driven out
held up behind leading trio, went close 3rd after 5th, ridden after 4 out, challenged 2 out, half length down when fell last
It's not easy to rule out any of the quartet set to contest the opener but ARCTIC MAGIC is going the right way and is worth chancing at the likely odds. William Bonney and Super Formen are obvious threats, while Stumped has a race within him now his sights have been lowered a touch. The last named is suited by testing conditions, so deterioration of the ground would not be an issue for him. Super Formen made satisfactory progress over hurdles before switching back to fences (he has experience from his time in France) at Chepstow last week. Paul Nicholls is obviously keen to capitalise on the gelding's race fitness; so the French-bred has to be a serious contender today. Quite whether he will be a betting proposition at the prices remains to be seen, though. William Bonney has yet to live up to his early sparkle and is in danger of entering the 'no mans land' when he goes handicapping over fences. Still, he has the ability to pay his way, so ought not to be underestimated. However, Arctic Magic is also a tough and reliable performer and, given that she is happy to track the pace, the Stuart Kittow-trained mare may benefit the most from the way the tactics of the race pan out.
Stumped 50-1 (11-0) Held up, behind from 6th, 5th of 6, well behind Panjo Bere (11-4) at Ascot 2m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
William Bonney (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Held up last, headway after 2 out, ridden on long run to last to challenge for 2nd, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Fix The Rib (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy.
Super Formen (FR) 2-1 (10-10) Held up, joined leaders 4 out, every chance 3 out, switched right and one pace approaching last, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Or Bleu (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nov chs (3) hvy.
Arctic Magic (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, ridden and blundered 8th, stayed on from 4 out, never going pace to get competitive, 4th of 9, 19l behind Jaunty Flight (10-5) at Newbury 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) sft in Jan.
