tracked leaders, went 2nd at the 7th, ridden approaching last, led towards finish (no time taken)
tracked leaders in rear, mistake 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on well flat, took 2nd towards finish
led, headed 5th, regained lead soon after, headed approaching 6th, weakened after 7th, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leader, led 5th, soon headed, led again approaching 6th, headed towards finish, no extra
Connections haven't wasted any time in switching OTTO QUERCUS' attentions to chasing and their enterprise may pay an immediate dividend as he's preferred to King Brex, I'm A Legend and Olympian Boy. Charlie Longsdon has his team in good order and his French import has shown promise in both starts over hurdles despite failing to last home. That has been a result of racing too freely but it's to be hoped that he settles better over the larger obstacles and that he can make the most of the allowances that he receives. King Brex has proved difficult to catch right and hasn't shown an awful lot of promise either over hurdles or fences since winning in February so is difficult to recommend. I'm A Legend has been relatively consistent this autumn although was slightly below his best at Uttoxeter. That wasn't a bad race, however, certainly in comparison to this line-up and he has claims of opening his account over birch. Olympian Boy was no match for Somersby on his chase debut at Warwick where he was a little keen but there are no Arkle candidates in this field and he has shown progressive form this season. We can, therefore, expect him to go well but we prefer Otto Quercus.
I'm A Legend 4-1fav (10-12) Held up in rear, headway approaching 10th, hit next, no impression when left 4th 3 out, hit last, 4th of 10, 11l behind Jump Jet (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Oct.
King Brex (DEN) 25-1 (11-6) Held up, effort 3 out, never dangerous, 10th of 11, well behind Zanir (11-5) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Olympian Boy (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, led and clear to 4 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 5, 24l behind Somersby (11-1) at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) gd.
Otto Quercus (FR) 3-1 (10-12) Led until headed approaching last, no chance with winner, kept on for clear 2nd, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Holoko Heights (10-12) at Southwell 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf.
