always behind
chased leader, hit 2nd and 4th, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, no extra towards finish
mid-division, mistake 2nd, close 5th when fell 7th
always behind
led to 9th, weakened 3 out
held up, headway 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened last
mid-division, headway 7th, led 9th, driven out
prominent to 8th
behind, hampered 7th, ridden and headway 3 out, hung left approaching 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd towards finish
Golden Duck confirmed the promise of his reappearance run when successful at Stratford last time but he was a fortunate winner that day and a 5lb rise looks harsh so preference is for Syroco, who gets the vote ahead of Milan Deux Mille. The last mentioned is hard to weigh up after just three starts over hurdles and two in bumpers but has to be of interest switched to the larger obstacles so soon in his career by trainer David Pipe. Jonjo O'Neill's Cockspur is similarly lightly raced but has not shown any real sign of enthusiasm, while Alan King's Copper Bay would need to step up considerably on all known form, including over fences, to trouble the judge. The ex-Irish Syroco created a favourable impression when making all to win over course and distance last month though and has solid claims off a 7lb higher mark.
Major Euro (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, mistakes 7th, 11th and 4 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Big Rob (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf, 8 ran.
Syroco (FR) 15-2 (11-9) Made all, jumped right 7th, driven out, won at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct beating Alam (11-8) by 2l, 7 ran.
Cockspur (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) In touch, lost place approaching 4th, soon beaten, 13th of 16, 42l behind Scarlet Mix (10-12) at Warwick 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Oct.
Milan Deux Mille (FR) 9-2 (10-7) Pulled hard, soon tracking leaders, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 5th of 10, 32l behind Tora Bora (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (4) sft in Apr.
Jupon Vert (FR) 12-1 (11-8) Mid-division and keen, ridden 6th, weakened 8th, 7th of 10, 25l behind Terrible Tenant (11-9) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf.
Golden Duck (IRE) 3-1 (10-9) Prominent, went 2nd 4th, led approaching 2 out, soon headed, 2 lengths 2nd and beaten when left in lead last, driven out, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Oct beating Gipsy Cricketer (10-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Arctic Spirit 50-1 (10-7) Led 1st, headed next, weakening when unseated rider 5 out in race won by Roofing Spirit (11-8) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs, 8 ran.
Copper Bay (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 4th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 3rd of 9, 21l behind Nenuphar Collonges (11-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
