not fluent tracked leaders, went 2nd 7th until ridden next, rallied to chase winner last, stayed on one pace
close up in 4th, went 2nd 8th, led soon after 2 out, ridden out
led, ridden and headed soon after 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leader until 7th, ridden next, weakened 3 out
Nonrunner
Chestnut Ben had Larteta 15 lengths behind when winning in this grade on his reappearance at Huntingdon but Hi Tide didn't impress on his return to chasing at Worcester in September and is best watched. It's difficult to have much faith in The Jugopolist at present so this looks a good opportunity for TOPTHORN (NAP) to pick up the winning thread again. Martin Bosley's grey couldn't follow up an easy Worcester win at Huntingdon on Sunday but should get an uncontested lead here and will be suited by the sharp nature of the track.
Chestnut Ben (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced in 3rd 2 out (usual 3 out), soon no impression, lost place on extended run-in, 5th of 6, 8l behind Violets Boy (11-9) at Kempton 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Oct.
Hi Tide (IRE) 15-2 (11-5) Held up in rear, not fluent 7th, headway 4 out, lost palce when hampered next, 6th of 7, 24l behind Dealing River (11-2) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Sep.
Larteta (FR) 7-1 (11-4) Led until after 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 6, 37l behind Lysino (11-11) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Oct.
The Jugopolist (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In touch in rear, ridden 12th, soon struggling, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Knock House (11-3) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Topthorn 6-1 (11-1) Chased leader until after 2nd, chased leading pair, not fluent 4th, mistake 7th (water), 2nd again before 2 out until 2 out, chased leading pair, went 2nd again close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 16l behind Doctor Ric (10-8) at Huntingdon 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs.
