led, sprawled badly and unseated rider 13th
tracked leader, left in lead 5 out, clear before 2 out, easily
tracked leaders, never jumped well, left in 2nd 5 out, blundered next, never able to challenge
Disappointingly only the four runners have been declared for this novices' chase but all of the quartet have claims with Kangaroo Court, who strictly holds Red Admiral on running at Cheltenham last month, bound to be popular but this may be another race that goes to Paul Nicholls with GULLIBLE GORDON. The six-year-old showed a decent level of form over hurdles last term and was just about the pick of these over timber but he looks to be just as good over fences judged by a facile success on his chasing debut at Chepstow last month. Alan King's Bakbenscher was capable over hurdles but will need to improve for the switch to the larger obstacles to trouble the selection, even receiving 6lbs. Charlie Mann's Red Admiral looked one to keep on the right side of over fences after wins at Hereford and Huntingdon but was comfortably held by an impressive round of jumping by Kangaroo Court at Cheltenham last month and Emma Lavelle's gelding will take some beating. Gullible Gordon looked just as impressive when winning his race at Chepstow though and can score again.
Gullible Gordon (IRE) 4-6fav (10-12) Jumped well, made all, came clear from 3 out, very easily, won at Chepstow 3m nov stks (3) gd in Oct beating Carrick Oscar (11-1) by 23l, 6 ran.
Red Admiral (USA) 10-3 (11-12) Held up in 4th, closed to challenge when hit 3 out, every chance briefly after 2 out, no chance with winner, stayed on flat, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Kangaroo Court (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 4f noc chs (3) gf in Oct.
Bakbenscher 6-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, plugged on one pace, 5th of 14, 37l behind Mr Thriller (10-9) at Chepstow 2m 4f listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Oct.
Kangaroo Court (IRE) Evensfav (11-8) Held up in 3rd after 2nd, closed 3 out, led soon after 2 out, quickened and clear from last, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f noc chs (3) gf in Oct beating Red Admiral (11-12) by 4l, 4 ran.
