led, ridden 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon headed, no extra from 2 out
held up in touch, hampered and lost action and pulled up after 13th
chased leaders, mistake 4th, ridden behind leader 3 out, led after 3 out, driven clear when mistake last, ran on
prominent, chased leader 4th, blundered 11th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, jumped right 3rd and 4th, jumped badly right, hampered and unseated rider 13th
held up in mid-division, pecked 8th, headway 12th, held in 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
held up towards rear, mistakes 5th, 12th and 13th, weakened approaching 14th
Nonrunner
Black Hills gets a tentative vote as a sporting choice in a tricky race; Supreme Catch and Alphabetical are forwarded as the main dangers, while William Butler has bits and pieces of form that suggest he can go well for each-way backers. The last named is lightly weighted and, having shown improvement of late, he rates as good value to nick a place. Alphabetical won over course and distance last month and appears to have run into form. He has a 7lb higher mark to contend with but looks reliable enough to go close in this company. As does Supreme Catch, who also won with a bit in hand when he was last seen out. Henrietta Knight's charge doesn't stand much racing but, as he goes well fresh, it will be noteworthy if he is a popular choice in the betting. However, the vote goes to Black Hills, who fully deserves a change of fortune after posting a series of good performances. The Jonathon Geake-trained gelding has held his own in good company and, as he has very little improvement to find, he is a solid betting proposition to finally get off the mark over fences today.
Mambo des Mottes (FR) 11-4fav (10-11) In touch when unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Calatagan (11-8) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec, 7 ran.
Supreme Catch (IRE) 11-8fav (10-13) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3rd, led 2 out, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov beating Wicked Nice Fella (10-3) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Black Hills 16-1 (10-13) In touch, mistake 7th, chased winner soon after 4 out, no impression between last 2, 2nd of 11, 14l behind Oedipe (10-2) at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Mr Splodge 11-2 (10-13) With leader, led 6th to 7th, weakening when hit 10th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Mokum (10-8) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec, 13 ran.
Four Schools (IRE) 7-2 (11-1) In touch, headway 9th, led next, travelling well when went right and unseated rider in race won by Fast Forward (11-7) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Obelix De Longechaux (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Held up in mid-division, headway 9th, pecked badly 4 out, rallied and stayed on from 2 out, not reach leaders, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Alphabetical (11-11) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec.
William Butler (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up, mistake 7th, headway 9th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on from last, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Dictum (11-8) at Haydock 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy.
Alphabetical (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) In touch, headway to lead l7th, quickened 3 out, jumped left 2 out, pushed clear flat, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec beating Englishtown (10-10) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Saucy Night 16-1 (11-5) Led to 7th, chased leader, ridden 4 out, beaten when fell at the last in race won by Alphabetical (11-11) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
He's The Biz (FR) 4-1 (10-8) Mid-division, took closer order after 13th, ridden approaching 4 out, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 9l behind Another Joker (11-11) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Sept.
