An interesting enough contest which may go the way of NO PANIC although Camden George rates a big threat and Mister Watzisname could emerge as one. No Panic had Forthright some way behind when going close at Fontwell on his second start over fences where he showed the benefit of his distant third behind some nice sorts on his chase bow. He proved to be a useful hurdler and promises to achieve a similar sort of success over fences. He was rated about a stone higher than Camden George over timber and Sue Smith's runner hasn't been judged to have improved for the switch to fences by the handicapper. He has only once finished out of the frame but has only the one success to his name and is beginning to build up a worrying profile. Mister Watzisname was the winner of a poor Grade 2 hurdle in Ireland but has the scope to make up into a chaser. He now has something to prove following his fall at Taunton when well held but this longer trip looks more suitable and it's far too early to be giving up on him. Silver By Nature was disappointing over course and distance last time but can be given a squeak on the form of his penultimate start. Peter Bowen has yet to saddle a winner in 2009 which is a concern but we'll be hoping that No Panic can get him off the mark.
Camden George (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Chased leaders, blundered 1st, led approaching 4 out, ridden and under pressure 2 out, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 6, 2l behind The Duke's Speech (11-0) at Wetherby 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Forthright 50-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, hit 5th, reminders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon one pace, 4th of 7, 13l behind Radetsky March (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Mister Watzisname (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden along from 6th, weakened approaching 4 out, modest 5th when fell 4 out in race won by Deep Purple (11-0) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) gs in Nov, 9 ran.
No Panic (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Close up, led 12th, hit 3 out, ridden after 2 out, caught near finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Radetsky March (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Oscar Trial (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Always behind, 10th of 14, well behind Golden Feather (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Sept.
Silver By Nature 9-4 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 5 out soon lost place, 4th of 6, 22l behind Will Be Done (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
