in touch, went second 5th, lost second before 3 out, dropped to last after 3 out, soon pushed along, made no impression, plugged on after last, always held by runner-up
led, headed 3rd, led again next, not fluent 6th, headed approaching 2 out, soon no extra, tired when jumped right last, just held second
prominent, led 3rd, headed next, lost place but still in touch 5th, went second approaching 3 out, pushed along to lead before 2 out, came clear with rival when left further clear 2 out, easily
held up in touch, slow 4th, soon pushed along briefly, ridden after 3 out, headway to challenge and went clear with rival when fell 2 out
Sir Psycho has a bit to prove at present having been an early faller when reappearing over fences. It’s almost two years since Stoner's Choice last won over hurdles and a similar period has elapsed since Longshanks ran over the smaller obstacles so the fast-improving CHIANTI CLASSICO (NAP) is entitled to be a short price on his first venture into handicap company.
Sir Psycho (IRE) 17-2 (11-10) Prominent when jumped right 2nd and fell, at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Stoner's Choice 15-2 (12-0) In rear, not fluent 4th, hampered jumping 6th, pushed along home turn, jumped right 3 out, stayed on and went 3rd after 2 out, never threatened, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Galore Desassences (11-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Chianti Classico (IRE) 5-6fav (11-7) Handy, raced keenly, tracked leader 6th, pressed leader home turn, led narrowly 2 out, pushed along and forged clear approaching last, ridden briefly run-in and went further ahead, readily, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f (4) gs in Dec beating Park Hill Dancer (11-0) by 8 1/2l, 6 ran.
Longshanks (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Midfield, dropped to rear and struggling when unseated rider 13th, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Jubilee Express (FR) 10-11fav (11-6) Led, hit 1st, headed before next, hit 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, stayed on run-in, always just held, 2nd of 8, nk behind Mister Who (11-0) at Lingfield 2m 3f (3) sft in Nov.
