disputed lead until went on 5th, ridden when hit 3 out, soon headed, rallied between last 2, held flat
held up, headway 12th, went 2nd before 4 out, led after next, soon ridden, stayed on well flat (no time taken)
disputed lead until mistake 5th, chased leader, lost place 12th, soon struggling, beaten 4th when fell last
held up, chased leader 12th to before 4 out, no chance with leading pair from next
Only four runners go to post for this novices' chase and we will side with WEIRD AL to get the better of Knockara Beau and Mumbles Head. The selection is two from two over fences and he beat a decent yardstick in Pigeon Island at Cheltenham back in December. He had previously beaten Knockara Beau on his chase debut and although Knockara Beau subsequently lost no caste in defeat behind Diamond Harry at Haydock, we are confident that our selection can uphold the form with that rival today. This step up to 3m1f is also a big plus for him as he has shaped as though he would be seen to better effect over this sort of trip. Mumbles Head looks to have a bit to do to reverse the form with Knockara Beau on their meeting at Haydock last month, although he is another who should find this longer trip to his liking. It is hard to make a case for Calin Royal and he is another who has a bit to find to reverse recent form with Knockara Beau. This looks a good opportunity for the progressive Weird Al and he is a confident pick.
Knockara Beau (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Led to 2nd, pressed leader, led 7th, headed soon after 4 out, hampered 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 16l behind Diamond Harry (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Weird Al (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Jumped well, with leader, took narrow lead 10th, made rest, clear approaching last, stayed on strongly, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) sft in Dec beating Pigeon Island (11-0) by 2l, 5 ran.
Calin Royal (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, left 2nd 6th, no impression on winner from 3 out, 2nd of 4, 18l behind Knockara Beau (11-9) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) sft in Dec.
Mumbles Head (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led 2nd to 7th, every chance 4 out, no chance with winner after 3 out, weakened last, 3rd of 4, well behind Diamond Harry (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
