midfield, niggled along before 2 out where jumped left, never dangerous
midfield early, not fluent 1st, dropped to mid-division next, nudged along after 3 out, made no impression
held up, pushed along after 3 out, soon struggling
raced keenly, led, pushed along and headed approaching 2 out,
chased leaders, pushed along before 2 out,
close up, led approaching 2 out,
towards rear, mistake 1st, ridden along 5th,
mid-division, headway after 3 out, not fluent last, kept on flat
mid-division, made some headway before 2 out,
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
midfield, took closer order after 3 out, niggled along and held when blundered 2 out
Alan King won this last year with a useful performer from the Flat and FUTURE INVESTMENT arrives with similar credentials. The six-year-old won three times on the level and stamina won’t be an issue. Southwell and Exeter second Great Ocean probably sets the standard of those with hurdling experience but it is not a high bar. Forward Plan has won a point and placed in a bumper so may be the pick of the remainder.
Clean Getaway (IRE) 17-2 (11-8) Chased leader, awkward 3 out, led soon after, headed 2 out, weakened before last, 5th of 12, 15 3/4l behind Brianna Rose (11-1) at Southwell 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Come Dancing (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Held up, mistake 2nd, pushed along in rear after 3 out, pulled up after 2 out, at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Fortyfive West (IRE) 125-1 (10-12) Mid-division, never in contention, 6th of 15, 32 3/4l behind Balco Coastal (11-5) at Ludlow 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Forward Plan (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Chased leader, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, not pace of winner final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 13, 4 3/4l behind Kracka Nut (11-0) at Catterick 2m (5) gs in Dec.
Future Investment 3-1fav (10-2) Keen held up, ridden over 2f out, not trouble leaders, 7th of 9, 9l behind Rajinsky (9-11) at Ascot 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct.
Great D'Ange (FR) 28-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, pushed along to make headway approaching 2 out, brought down by fallen rival 2 out, at Wincanton 1m 7f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Great Ocean (FR) 9-2 (10-12) Midfield, headway to chase leaders 4 out, with leaders 2 out, ran on, 2nd of 15, 8 1/2l behind Lac De Constance (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Secret Trix 12-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden and outpaced before 2 out, kept on after final hurdle, 4th of 8, 26l behind Lydford (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
Stanley Pincombe (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Handy, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 10, 27l behind Henri The Second (10-13) at Chepstow 2m (5) gd in Oct.
Tarahumara Kayf Tara gelding out of My World.
Kimarelli 33-1 (10-5) Mid-division, mistake 2nd, never on terms, well held from 3 out, 9th of 18, 26l behind Hermes Boy (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) gs in Dec.
Mothill (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden from 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Qaiser (8-13) at Bordeaux Le Bouscat 1m 4f stks gd in May.
Whynotnowken (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened before 3 out, last of 10, dist behind Chanceux (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) gs in Nov.
