tracked leaders, went 2nd 11th, led 4 out, stayed on well
held up, headway 11th, mistake next, ridden approaching 4 out, beaten 4th when fell 3 out
disputed lead to 5th, ridden approaching 4 out, not fluent 2 out, stayed on
chased leaders, behind from 14th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
disputed lead, led 5th, headed approaching 4 out, soon ridden, kept on
chased leaders, mistake 11th, behind from 17th, tailed off
tracked leaders, mistake 10th, gradually lost touch from 15th, left poor 4th 3 out
soon behind, tailed off and pulled off before 4 out
Stars Out Tonight is clearly the one to beat against moderate opposition. He won his chasing debut in good style at Exeter in October, but shaped like needing further when third to Azertyuiop over two miles in Cheltenham's Grade 2 November Novices' Chase last time out. A classy sort, he should win if he can repeat his Exeter jumping performance. See You Around would be the major each-way chance. He has course experience and was just beaten a short head here by Hiers De Brouage in December. Although he has been trounced in his last two starts, a market move would be significant and he could be dangerous if back to his best. Mister Bigtime has more experience than his rivals over fences and last season finished runner-up to Moor Lane then Maximize before finishing eighth in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. He has not yet hit that form this season, but has an each-way chance on his best form. Dalcassian Buck shaped better over 2m 3f last time at Taunton. He does stay three miles, but has yet to sparkle over fences. The remainder have failed to make an impact over both hurdles and fences to date and have plenty to prove against the top-weight.
