tracked leader, driven to challenge 2 out, led last, stayed on well
always in rear, struggling 4 out, behind when pulled up next
took keen hold, in touch, went 2nd approaching 3rd, led 3 out, headed after next, weakening when hit last, lost 3rd closing stages
pulled hard early, tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, every chance 2 out, weakened last
held up in rear, headway 3 out, soon driven, stayed on to go modest 3rd after last, never troubled leaders
led, slow 4th, headed 3 out, weakened quickly
pulled hard in rear, headway 3 out, led after next, headed last, no extra
Leviathan is the obvious one here following his debut third at Plumpton but his stamina will be fully tested under today's conditions and he could be found wanting. This may not take much winning so we're inclined to take a chance on the returning MILITARY PRECISION, who has his first start since disappointing in a Taunton bumper more than a year ago but is bred to jump hurdles and is unlikely to fail through lack of fitness. Drumadoon also returns following a lengthy absence but No Likey has shown a bit of promise this year and Enchanting Smile was second at Exeter in October and may be able to build on that.
Accordingtopalm (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Chsd ldrs, prog to 2nd 5out, 3rd 3out, 2nd 2out & ev ch when faster jump last, sow but not get to wnr, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Nedzer's Return (12-0) at Affane 3m ire ptp sft in Nov.
Drumadoon (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear, fell 4th, in a race won by Creekside (10-9) at Catterick 2m 4yo mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan, 9 ran.
Leviathan 12-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, close up, smooth headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, went 2nd last, no chance with winner, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Pendra (11-5) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Military Precision (IRE) 13-8fav (11-2) Mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 12, 31l behind Decimus (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gf in Nov '11.
No Likey (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th, ridden when slipped up on bend soon after, in a race won by Zarzal (11-0) at Ludlow 2m mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov, 11 ran.
The Presidents Man (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Took keen hold and always in rear, never involved, tailed off, 12th of 13, 45l behind Kings Flagship (10-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Enchanting Smile (FR) 20-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, chased winner before next, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Look For Love (10-9) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Oct.
