prominent, left and lead 16th, ridden after 4 out, joined approaching 3 out, took command approaching last, driven out
held up towards rear, jumped slowly 9th, headway approaching 10th, ridden 14th and lost place, weakened 15th, tailed off
led until fell 16th
chased leader, left 2nd 16th, challenged and ridden after 4 out, every chance 3 out and 2 out, hard ridden approaching last, no extra flat
held up last, lost touch 14th, weakened 15th, went poor 3rd approaching 3 out, tailed off
Our shortlisted three are Commanche War Paint, Tom Sayers and Dante Citizen, with the vote going to Commanche War Paint. Commanche War Paint bounced back to form with a resounding win at Taunton last time and, if that sort of mood again, a seven-pound penalty might not be enough to stop him. Bertiebanoo did not build on his fair Market Rasen win last time, while Tom Sayers won over course and distance in April and, although now 14 pounds higher in the ratings, has proven that he can be competitive from around today's mark and is respected. Dante Citizen is also a course and distance winner and, being just five pounds above that winning mark and sure to be sharper for his seasonal return, he too is respected. Ultimate Limit got closer to Lord Anner here than Dante Citizen did recently so warrants a look on that basis, and, also on Lord Anner form, he holds He's The Biz on recent meetings. All of which returns us to Commanche War Paint, who is the selection.
Comanche War Paint (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Prominent, led 11th, mistake 14th, ridden clear 3 out, eased flat, won at Taunton 3m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Nov beating Mick Divine (10-3) by 11l, 7 ran.
Bertiebanoo (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) In touch, ridden approaching 14th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by The Pennys Dropped (10-10) at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gf in Jul, 8 ran.
Tom Sayers (IRE) 9-2 (10-10) Chased leader, ridden 4 out, stayed on well from 3 out, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Inca Trail (11-2) at Wincanton 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Nov.
Dante Citizen (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Led until 10th, chased winner, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next, 4th of 10, 15l behind Lord Anner (10-11) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Nov.
He's The Biz (FR) 8-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, headway to track leaders after 14th, ridden after 16th, one pace, 5th of 11, 24l behind All In The Stars (11-4) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Nov.
Ultimate Limit 11-4fav (11-6) Never going well, always towards rear, 7th of 9, well behind Channahrlie (9-12) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Nov.
