led to 1st, mistake next, chased leaders, headway 8th, effort 4 out, outpaced when hit 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, no impression
tracked leaders, effort 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace approaching last
held up, ridden and outpaced after 5 out, kept on same pace, no impression
held up, mistakes 7th and 8th, headway after 4 out, led between last 2, ridden and kept on flat
in rear, lost touch 7th, pulled up before next
tracked leader, led 5th, ridden and headed between last 2, stayed on same pace
led 1st, headed 5th, chased leaders until weakened quickly after 5 out, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Scholars of the theory of horses for courses will side with Mister McGoldrick and we take Sue Smith's course specialist to see off Lennon and Three Mirrors. Although fifth on his most recent start over hurdles at Haydock, he simply loves it around these fences and if getting into a rhythm, he could prove unstoppable. Lennon is another for whom getting into a rhythm is a must. He has been somewhat disappointing this term but his better work has obtained in small fields. Three Mirrors should have come on for those sighters and it would be no surprise to see the Ferdy Murphy charge bounce back into form. Calatagan won this race last year but has it to prove that this was not simply down to a fluke. Kilmackilloge accounted for Fundamentalist at Aintree in October and the form of that victory took a major boost last week. Almaydan represents a yard in form so cannot be discounted. Oneway has been a nearly horse at pattern level and drops in grade. A competitive enough race for the prize money and Mister McGoldrick can add to his peerless course record.
Lennon (IRE) 13-8fav (11-3) Jumped left, about 4 lengths clear when blundered badly, rider lost reins and headed last, not recover, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Hoo La Baloo (10-9) at Kempton 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct.
Oneway (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, no chance when stumbled on bend after 4 out, 6th of 8, 42l behind Twist Magic (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (1) sft.
Mister McGoldrick 28-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, led 11th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed approaching last, weakened flat, 5th of 18, 6l behind Millenium Royal (11-12) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
Magic Sky (FR) 33-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 16, 9l behind Tamarinbleu (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd.
Calatagan (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Led to 8th, chased winner, ridden and hit 3 out, weakened, 5th of 8, 33l behind Saintsaire (10-11) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Almaydan 3-1 (11-12) Chased leader, led 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well, won at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft beating Kentucky Blue (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Three Mirrors 5-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway after 10th, weakened 12th, 6th of 8, well behind Patricksnineteenth (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Kilmackilloge 20-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, led 3rd, clear inside final furlong, won at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Oct beating Fundamentalist (11-12) by 4l, 16 ran.
Star Antique (FR) 33-1 (10-6) Took keen hold, setlled behind leaders until steadily lost place after 3rd, weakened 3 out, last of 6, 24l behind dhtrs Penzance (11-4) & Arcalis (11-10) at Sandown 2m hdl (2) gf in Apr.
