disputed lead, left with definate advantage 4 out, joined again next, ridden after 2 out, headed narrowly last, rallied flat, held near finish
disputed lead until blundered badly and good recovery by rider 4 out, never able to get back on terms, well held in 3rd from next
close up in rear, blundered badly 10th, struggling when not fluent 5 out, never on terms, weakened 4 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, driven before 4 out, soon ridden and beaten, weakened next, tailed off
A small field but a trappy contest in which FORTESCUE (NAP) may go one better after running up against a strongly supported Tizzard contender the last day in Lamanver Pippin. He was the only one to make any sort of race with the winner that day and has been raised accordingly by 2lb. However, he should go close if returning in the same form and there should be any amount of improvement to come as he's only six and this is just a third sortie over fences. Financial Outcome hacked up at Doncaster the last day and a similar level of form puts him bang in contention, whereas Big Nasty makes a comeback following a wind op after pulling up when last seen. Rosserk Abbey and Mister Tickle probably need to improve again but aren't discounted.
Big Nasty 28-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, lost place 9th, weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out, at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Financial Outcome (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Raced wide, with leader, led 2nd until 4th, in front again 9th until 12th, led again 4 out, clear next, easily, won at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Ballymagroarty Boy (11-7) by 28l, 4 ran.
Fortescue 6-1 (11-7) Mid-division, close up on inside 5th, driven into 2nd 4 out, soon ridden, rallied and 2 lengths down 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner from last, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Lamanver Pippin (11-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Mister Tickle (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on outside, lost place 5th, never on terms after, 5th of 9, 22 1/2l behind Flowing Cadenza (10-10) at Ascot 3m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Rosserk Abbey (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Led to 4 out, ridden before last, kept on and no chance with winner, fell crossing winning line, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Broughtons Admiral (12-0) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
