tracked leader, led 6th, clear 7th, jumped right 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, narrow lead lost, headed close home
in touch, weakening when blundered 8th
in touch, weakened 7th, pulled up after 3 out
prominent, reminders and weakened quickly 6th, pulled up
towards rear, mistake 6th, ridden and headway 3 out, ridden strongly, led close home
held up, ridden 9th, one pace when mistake last
led, headed 6th, ridden to lead again approaching 2 out, headed last, one pace flat
held up, headway 6th, every chance last, ridden flat, not run on
held up, mistake 9th, some progress when ridden 3 out, one pace approaching last
Gentle John can land this while Letalus and Copper Bay are worth noting in the betting market. The selection has run well over fences since winning a maiden hurdle at Chepstow back in the spring. He caught the eye when third to Silver Inngot at Lingfield last time out and although he never looked like winning he ran with credit and with that experience under his belt he can go well here. Letalus will once again run his usual consistent race while Copper Bay is one to note in the betting market on his seasonal reappearance as he was on the upgrade last season having won two novice handicap chases and although running off a career high the Alan King yard are going well. But for the winner we return to Gentle John.
Offemont (FR) 10-1 (10-6) Chased leader 3rd to 6th, prominent, ridden after 9th, weakened after next, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Saintsaire (10-11) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Rookery Lad 80-1 (11-4) Mid-division when hampered and fell at the 12th in race won by Lampion Du Bost (9-11) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 22 ran.
Copper Bay (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, niggled along after 9th, close 3rd, ridden when fell 3 out in race won by Nippy Des Mottes (11-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs (3) sft in Jan, 3 ran.
Elgar 33-1 (11-10) With leader, led 8th, headed 4 out, no impression, 3rd of 9, 21l behind Brooklyn Brownie (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Brave Villa (FR) 7-1 (10-4) In touch, lost place approaching 5th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Roman Ark (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov, 13 ran.
My World (FR) 11-2 (11-1) In touch, hit 4th, ridden and struggling 3 out, 5th of 9, 15l behind Prime Contender (11-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Glengarra (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Mid-division until weakened 5 out, 10th of 13, well behind Roman Ark (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
Letalus (GER) 3-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, led after 2 out, headed last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Arumun (11-3) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Gentle John (FR) 4-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, soon chasing leaders, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied to dispute moderate 2nd when blundered last, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Silver Inngot (11-2) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov.
