with leader, jumped slowly 3rd, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, soon weakened
made most until headed 8th, outpaced 3 out, kept on, no chance with winner
tracked leading pair, led 8th, clear when hit 3 out, heavily eased flat
behind, hit 5th, weakened and pulled up before next
held up in touch, struggling 8th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
Canada Street edges a narrow verdict over Flintoff, while Reasonably Sure appears to be the logical alternative from the rest. Reasonably Sure has lived up to his name and been sure footed in three previous starts over fences. However, quite whether the going will suit is open to debate and, as he dropped out tamely here last time, he comes here with a little to prove. Flintoff showed good progression over hurdles last season and showed an aptitude for chasing when he finished second at Towcester last November. Notwithstanding, he has failed to build on that subsequently and he needs to find improvement today. The fitting of the headgear will help but he also needs a little luck on his side if he is going to bring some welcome cheer to his owners. Therefore, it can pay to look towards Canada Street - an unexposed stayer in the making - on this occasion. The son of Old Vic likes to get his toe in and, having gone very close in a similar event last time; the six-year-old has everything in his favour this afternoon.
Ballyfoy (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division, reminders when hampered 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Rosita Bay (10-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Canada Street (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 4 out, upsides last, kept on, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Good Citizen (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nov hcp chs (3) hvy in Dec.
Flintoff (USA) 9-4jt-fav (11-9) With leaders, reminders approaching 12th, outpaced approaching 3 out, chased leading pair approaching next, no impression, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Go For One (11-7) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy in Dec.
Pharnoon 150-1 (10-7) Behind, hit 5th, rear when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Some Touch (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Dec, 13 ran.
Reasonably Sure (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway 5 out, weakened 3 out, 4th of 6, 39l behind Pay Attention (10-11) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
