prominent, ridden to dispute lead 3 out, took it up approaching last, went clear run-in
chased leaders, pushed along home turn, outpaced 3 out, plugged on from 2 out
held up, ridden and outpaced 3 out, weakened 2 out
always towards rear, mistakes throughout, never involved, fell last
chased leader, untidy 2nd, ridden to dispute lead 4 out when blundered, alongside leader 2 out, soon outpaced, kept on same pace flat
led, ridden and pressed 4 out, mistake and unseated rider 3 out when still in contention
NonRunner
Daire McConville, who claims 10lb, gave Storm Control a superb ride in the SkyBet Chase at Doncaster and teams up here with his stablemate MAGIC DANCER, who was second to the useful Minella Drama here in the autumn and is back over his best trip having failed to stay 2m4f last time at Leicester. Oscars Leader was possibly a lucky winner at Haydock but his yard is running into form again but Chepstow winner Le Ligerien was disappointing at Lingfield under favourable conditions. Heartbreak Kid has gone up 7lb for winning at Sedgefield but can’t be ignored and Star Academy could also figure if fully recovered from a first-fence fall on his chasing bow.
Heartbreak Kid (IRE) 6-4fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 3rd, led 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gd in Jan beating Bulldoze (10-12) by 9l, 4 ran.
Magic Dancer 5-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, jumped slowly 3rd, pushed along before 4 out, outpaced before next, never dangerous after, 5th of 9, 13l behind Family Business (11-1) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Chazza (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Close up, tracked leaders 9th, fell 5 out, at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Star Academy (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Fell 1st in rear, at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Le Ligerien (FR) 4-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, ridden and one pace in 3rd before 3 out, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Frero Banbou (11-5) at Lingfield 2m hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Oscars Leader (IRE) 15-2 (10-11) Prominent, ridden to lead 4 out, soon pushed along and headed, kept up to task from 2 out, left in lead last, stayed on well flat, gamely, won at Haydock 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Gallic Geordie (10-5) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Higgs (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Off the pace in last pair, ridden and beaten after 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, 15 3/4l behind Howdyalikemenow (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
