always behind, ridden from 8th, took close order after 17th, never on terms
always towards rear, no impression
with leader when fell 3rd
mid-division, headway 13th, close 2nd when mistake and unseated rider 15th
chased leader, led 4th to 15th, ridden 17th, hampered bend approaching 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, ran on from last, not reached winner
mid-division, reminder after 8th, hit 9th, pulled up before 14th
led to 4th, chased leader, led 15th, ridden 4 out, stayed on from last
in touch, pecked 1st, headway 14th, ridden 16th, weakened 4 out
prominent, brought down 3rd
prominent, blundered 16th and lost place, weakened and mistake 17th, pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden 16th, chased leader 17th, 3rd and held when fell 2 out
Withdrawn
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Maletton is in flying form and is fancied to land the hat-trick at the main expense of Nykel, Le Jaguar and Irish Raptor, while a move for Puntal would also be interesting. The last named drops significantly in class and is worth keeping a very close eye on in the betting. Irish Raptor is holding his form well and may not have stopped improving yet. The ground is ideal for him and, as he is at the right end of the weights, he is fancied to go close in this company. Le Jaguar and Nykel are closely matched from their encounter here on Boxing Day last month. The latter has more scope for improvement and, as he hails from a yard in-form, he is expected to be in the shake-up. Nevertheless, Maletton has really got the hang of things just now and, with Venetia Williams on the crest of a wave this appears to be a solid opening for the gelding to continue on his merry way.
All In The Stars (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Blundered 4th, always behind, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Halcon Genelardais (11-3) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec, 18 ran.
Almost Broke 33-1 (11-9) Towards rear, effort after 19th, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 12, 29l behind Kerstino Two (11-0) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft.
Lord Killeshanra (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Mid-division, pushed along 10th, soon weakened and pulled up 5 out in race won by Kandjar D'allier (11-4) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec, 14 ran.
Iron Man (FR) 12-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge for 2nd from 2 out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 12, 8l behind Kerstino Two (11-0) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft.
Puntal (FR) 100-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, mistake 7th, ridden along 9th, weakened from 12th, 5th of 9, 38l behind Kauto Star (11-10) at Kempton 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Ballybough Rasher (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Behind, reminders 5th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Russian Sky (10-2) at Wetherby 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) sft in Dec '05, 18 ran.
Maletton (FR) 2-1fav (11-12) With leader until led 6th, clear 3 out, comfortably, won at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs beating New Perk (10-5) by 6l, 9 ran.
Le Jaguar (FR) 6-1 (11-6) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway 17th, every chance 3 out, kept on same pace from 2 out, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Nykel (10-13) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Cowboyboots (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 4th, reminders 7th, hit 11th, behind from 14th, 6th of 11, well behind Pass Me By (10-13) at Plumpton 3m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
Nykel (FR) 9-2 (10-13) Prominent, led 9th, ridden 4 out, stayed on gamely from 3 out, driven out, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec beating Le Jaguar (11-6) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Youlbesolucky (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, hampered 3rd, hit 14th, pressed leaders from next, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on but no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Jaunty Times (11-8) at Ascot 3m nov hcp chs (3) gs in Dec.
Out The Black (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Chased winner, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out, 4th of 8, 17l behind Naunton Brook (11-0) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
Model Son (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) Always behind, 14th of 15, well behind D'Argent (10-5) at Cheltenham 3m 1f lst hcp chs (1) sft in Dec.
Irish Raptor (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Led 4th, driven, mistake and headed 2 out, rallied gamely under pressure flat, just held, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Tango Royal (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
