tracked winner and keen, mistake 4th, ridden after 2 out, upsides last when fell
made all, blundered 1st, not fluent 4 out, challenged last, soon left clear
tracked leaders in rear and keen, blundered 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, in 3rd and held when left 2nd last
If fit on his return from over a year out Ela Re will have a real chance in this Handicap Chase but with no such factor to prove we turn to MASTER NIMBUS with Kikos not weighted out of a challenge either. Race sharp after a couple of spins on the level the pick was an easy winner of his last start in this sphere. That came in a Novice event but with the form from that working out well and pointing to the fact he looks competitive at the weights we'll just give him the nod. Ela Re won by 11 lengths when last seen in a race that has since worked out well. If returning in the same mood he may take all the beating but we wait to see if he is can operate at the same level. Kikos is consistent but looks a little high in the handicap to be scoring this time now nine pounds higher than when last in front. Jim Tango doesn't looked weighted out of it on his handicap chase bow so can be considered while Norbourne Bandit will like the conditions and should go well now just two pounds heavier than when last in front. This looks pretty tight on paper but Master Nimbus looks to have the best claims on form and fitness.
Master Nimbus 5-1 (11-5) Chased clear leaders, headway when stumbled 7th, outpaced by leading pair approaching 3 out, 3rd and beaten when left in lead 2 out, 9 lengths ahead when left further clear last, won at Southwell 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in Aug beating Lindseyfield Lodge (10-6) by 15l, 8 ran.
Kikos (FR) 5-2fav (11-11) Led, blundered 3 out, headed 2 out, blundered and left in lead last, soon headed, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Nesnaas (10-10) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Jul.
Norborne Bandit (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Mid-division, weakening when mistake 7th, soon behind, 7th of 8, 25l behind Storm of Applause (10-11) at Ffos Las 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Nov.
Ela Re 16-1 (10-13) Made all, clear 2 out, easily, won at Haydock 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Mar '09 beating Daldini (11-1) by 11l, 8 ran.
Jim Tango (FR) 5-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, left in lead 2nd, headed 11th, soon weakened, 5th of 8, well behind Otage De Brion (10-12) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd.
