behind, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden to lead last, ran on
held up in touch, under pressure 3 out, soon beaten
held up towards rear, under pressure 3 out, soon no impression
held up towards rear, mistake 14th, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on strongly to take 2nd towards finish
tracked leaders, weakened after 3 out, under pressure when blundered last
always prominent, not fluent 11th, led before 12th, headed last, kept on same pace
led until 12th, remained prominent, weakened 14th, tailed off
Joe Lively can continue his rags to riches story but connections of Albertas Run and Air Force One will be disappointed if their charges aren't involved in the finish. The selection has gone from strength to strength since being pulled up in a beginners' chase at Worcester in 2006 and has the strongest form claims having landed both the Worcester and Feltham Novices' Chases. His form is rock solid and he deserves his place at the head of the market. Air Force One has done nothing wrong but steps up in class and is encountering quicker ground for the first time this season. He has done what he has had to do proficiently and should be effective on the ground. Albertas Run looks to have been campaigned with Cheltenham in mind and is something of a forgotten horse having been off since November. He's respected but there's a chance that he could be a little ring rusty and he may be better suited by the demands of Prestbury Park. Over The Creek isn't discounted but we'll side with the form choice and pick Joe Lively in the opener.
Albertas Run (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, joined leader and travelling well 3 out, led approaching last, idled flat, always in command, won at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Nov beating Sizing Australia (10-13) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Joe Lively (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Jumped slightly left, made most to 3 out, soon ridden, mistake 2 out, led and hit last, stayed on well, won at Kempton 3m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec beating Here's Johnny (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Over The Creek 10-1 (10-0) Behind, headway 3 out, stayed on, never able to challenge, 3rd of 18, 16l behind Miko de Beauchene (10-5) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec.
Air Force One (GER) 4-6fav (11-4) Chased leader, led after 4 out, clear last, pushed out, won at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (3) sft in Jan beating O'maley (11-8) by a distance, 6 ran.
Ice Tea (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Led, mistake last, soon headed, no extra flat, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Nudge And Nurdle (11-1) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) gs in Dec.
Battlecry 11-2 (11-5) Held up behind leaders, stumbled badly 13th, soon lost touch, not recover, 4th of 5, 47l behind Ornais (11-8) at Newbury 3m nov chs (2) gs.
Junctiontwentyfour 10-3 (10-2) Led to 9th, hit next, soon weakened and pulled up 4 out in race won by Just For Men (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy in Dec, 6 ran.
