with leader until weakened 2 out
close up, mistake and lost place 5th, tailed off and pulled up before last
mid-division, hit 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner and lost 2nd near finish
always towards rear, tailed off
held up and never dangerous
held up, headway 6th, weakened after 2 out
in touch to 3 out, weakened
prominent, effort going well and every chance when fell 2 out
in touch until weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before last
mid-division, weakened 4 out, tailed off
behind stayed on under pressure from last, took 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
held up, headway and hit 3 out, stayed on
in touch, driven to lead 2 out, soon well clear, very easily
prominent to halfway, pulled up before 2 out
The Irish have been having their Christmas money on Holy Orders over the last week and while there is little value in the current odds it will be a surprise if the Willie Mullins-trained gelding is not in the shake up. Unraced over hurdles for 594 days, the favourite has been keeping decent company on the level and looks well treated on his return to hurdling. He is difficult to oppose, even at cramped odds. For those wishing to take on the jolly there is plenty of each-way value to be had. Martin Pipe saddles four runners with the reappearing Polar Red and the German-bred Bernardon looking the pick of his quartet, while Nicky Henderson's Newbury winner Valerio looks the stable number one over Volano and Chauvinist. Jonjo O'Neill's Giocomo, raised 5lbs for his gallant Chepstow success and good Fontwell winner Tikram are others worthy of a mention but we are prepared to side with the Irish in the hope that the selection may drift on course.
