prominent, led 3rd, hit 9th and 12th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
led until 2nd, dropped rear 4th, lost touch from 11th, pulled up before 15th
jumped slightly left throughout, led 2nd until next, with leader, ridden after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up behind leaders, not fluent 11th, effort 3 out, weakened next, 3rd when hit last
held up behind leaders, not fluent 3rd, slightly hampered 4 out and 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on well, ridden out
Standin Obligation, Patsy Hall and Openide look the three to concentrate on in this competitive affair and the vote is Standin Obligation. The selection won well last time out when beating Openide and, on similar terms, he is taken to win again. Patsy Hall rates the main danger, as he was travelling well until falling four out in the same race but his jumping was very poor on that occasion and, with this in mind, he is taken on. Openide is game and consistent and is sure to run his race. However, his overall profile leaves him with a little to find. Of the remainder, Aces Four jumped well when beating Garde Champetre last time but this looks tougher. Alright Now M'Lad also won well last time out when beating Nine de Sivola but that form has since been let down. So, for the winner we return to Standin Obligation who is taken to win this before going on to better things.
Aces Four (IRE) 6-5 (11-6) Jumped well, made all, 7 lengths clear when hit last, pushed out, comfortably, won at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) gs in Nov beating Garde Champetre (11-6) by 6l, 5 ran.
Openide 8-1 (11-7) Chased winner until 13th, renewed effort and left 2nd 3 out, stayed on well, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Standin Obligation (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Nov.
Standin Obligation (IRE) 4-6fav (11-8) Jumped well, made all, joined last, nudged along to assert, readily, won at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Nov beating Openide (11-7) by 1l, 7 ran.
Alright Now M'Lad (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) Held up in touch, headway 5 out, led 3 out, ridden out, won at Wetherby 2m 7f beg chs (4) sft in Oct beating Nine De Sivola (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Patsy Hall (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, chased winner 13th, mistake 14th, just over 1 length down when fell 3 out in race won by Standin Obligation (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Nov, 7 ran.
