disputed lead to 5f out, ridden and weakened after
prominent, ridden and weakened over 5f out, ran wide on bend over 2f out
towards rear, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
disputed lead to 5f out, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway to lead 5f out, ridden and headed 3f out, hard ridden and rallied to lead well inside final furlong, gamely
held up, good headway from 4f out and chased leader, soon ridden and not quicken
pulled early in touch, ridden and headway after 3f out, soon challenged and led, hard ridden 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, not pace of winner
pulled early in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace
prominent, ridden over 4f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
mid-division, headway 5f out, chased leaders over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
always towards rear, no impression
mid-division, headway after 3f, weakened quickly over 4f out, pulled up over 2f out
It's one of the traditions of Christmas that Paul Nicholls wins this race with a promising sort owned by Graham Roach and this year would appear to be no exception. Brendan Powell did break the Nicholls monopoly in 2006 and potential party poopers include Kauto The Roc and Valemount whilst Hidden Horse is an interesting runner for Mick Channon. Before you start thinking that the Nicholls/Roach combination is vulnerable it must be pointed out that they weren't represented two years ago and it would take a brave man to look beyond KING'S LEGACY. His dam is well related and the previous winners have been above average performers. Kauto The Roc has the benefit of a run under his belt and he was sent off as favourite on that occasion so has presumably shown something. Valemount's dam is from the family of old favourites Morley Street and Granville Again and the gelding was a relatively expensive purchase so it will be interesting to see how he fares in the ring. Hidden Horse is of interest due to her trainer and Jau as a half-brother to Sergeant Cecil but it's folly to look beyond King's Legacy.
Chipless (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, struggling halfway, no impression, last of 12, well behind Express Leader (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Flight Wise Riverwise gelding out of Madame Poulet.
Hobby Horse 33-1 (11-2) Never a danger, 8th of 11, 47l behind Alfie Sherrin (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Honest 66-1 (11-2) Never a danger, 7th of 10, 22l behind Sergeant Harper (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Jau Kayf Tara gelding out of Jadidh.
Kauto The Roc (FR) 3-1fav (10-12) Keen, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on, 5th of 16, 10l behind Nono Le Sage (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in May.
King's Legacy (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Kotton.
Rokinhorsescience (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Chased leader, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 11th of 18, 23l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Sprowler Peintre Celebre gelding out of Enlisted.
Unanswered Double Trigger gelding out of Kassala.
Union Zak Tobougg gelding out of Seagreen.
Valemount (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Velsheda.
Camomile Green Midnight Legend filly out of Carlingford Lass.
Commanche Smiles Commanche Run mare out of Lady Blakeney.
Follow The Dream 33-1 (10-9) Held up, headway over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 16, 24l behind Cross Kennon (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (4) gs in Nov.
Hidden Horse Fasliyev filly out of Hopping Higgins.
Jovial Goldenbelle Golden Heights filly out of Jovial Lass.
