prominent, went 2nd approaching 2nd, led 10th, drew clear from 4 out, hit 3 out, stayed on well
chased leader until mistake 1st, not fluent 2nd, ridden 9th, weakened approaching 4 out
held up, hit 3rd, headway on outside after 8th, weakened quickly after 9th, tailed off and pulled up before next
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, chased winner 3 out, no impression, weakened after 2 out
led to 10th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
mid-division, hit 9th, soon ridden, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, blundered 1st, struggling approaching 8th, jumped slowly 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
held up, headway after 9th, chased winner 2 out, no impression
If Nozic takes up this appointment after winning on Thursday he would be very interesting, however his odds could get skinny so it may be best to side with Yes Sir, although Idole First and Kerry Lads both have claims. The selection will find this easier than the last two contests he has contested and has subsequently dropped 2lbs in the handicap. His trainer has a cracking record in chasing contests at the track, and Tom O'Brien is a capable deputy for usual jockeys AP McCoy and Richard Johnson. He may still need some more leniency from the handicapper, however we will side with him today in this easier contest. Idole First was rated 145 over hurdles but has taken some time to get to grips with these bigger obstacles. However he has come good recently and was a fair third in a decent contest at Cheltenham last time out. He goes on the ground so must have solid claims for his in-form stable. Redemption returns to chasing but has looked out of love with the game so must be passed over, as is Good Citizen who would be interesting if putting in a good round of jumping but that is highly unlikely. Almaydan is game and consistent however he may just be struggling off his current mark of 132 so a place may be all he can hope for again. Kerry Lads was nothing if not game when winning at Wetherby, and given a mini-break since then, he should go well. However that race wasn't much, so we will tentatively return to Peter Bowen's Yes Sir to land the spoils.
Nozic (FR) 7-2co-fav (11-1) In touch, led approaching 11th, ridden 4 out, clear 2 out, comfortably, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy beating Kalca Mome (11-12) by 12l, 8 ran.
Idole First (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leader until mistake 3rd, stayed prominent, outpaced approaching last, kept on under pressure on long run after, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Whispered Secret (10-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Jan.
Redemption 66-1 (11-8) Raced wide, led, ridden and headed 2 out, outpaced, 8th of 9, well behind Blazing Bailey (11-0) at Cheltenham 3m hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Almaydan 15-2 (11-7) Chased leader, led 2nd, headed 6th, mistake next, soon outpaced, stayed on to chase winner after last, no impression, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Madison Du Berlais (11-7) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft in Jan.
Kerry Lads (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear approaching last, just held on, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan beating Sharp Jack (10-9) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Undeniable 20-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, weakened approaching 4 out, 8th of 14, well behind Kandjar D'allier (11-4) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec.
Good Citizen (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, led 13th, joined 2 out, soon headed, looked beaten when fell at the last in race won by Flying Enterprise (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs (2) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Foly Pleasant (FR) 8-1 (12-0) Never going well, always behind, 15th of 24, 20l behind Whyso Mayo (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gd in Mar.
Keepatem (IRE) 9-1 (11-9) Ran in snatches, chased leaders, ridden and effort 3 out, outpaced when jumped left next, no extra, 4th of 8, 9l behind Ebony Light (11-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Jan.
Yes Sir (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Led, mistake 6th and next, headed 13th, weakened and mistake next, 5th of 10, 33l behind Flying Enterprise (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs (2) hvy in Jan.
