close up, tracked leading pair 6th, went 3 lengths 2nd when blundered badly 3 out, not recover
not fluent, with leader, led 4th to 6th, mistakes next and 8th, left chasing winner 3 out, no impression when lost 2nd last, weakened run-in
always behind, lost touch 7th, tailed off
tracked leaders, led 6th, clear and in command when jumped left last 2, eased near finish
led to 4th, chased leader until reminders next, driven and stayed on from 2 out, went 2nd last, kept on under pressure, run-in
held up, struggling 8th, continued tailed off
Smart Cavalier can be another winner for Paul Nicholls, Liberia and Flying Patriarch can chase him home. The selection has only had two races under rules and showed enough last time to suggest he can soon pick up a small race. He ran well for a long time before lack of fitness told and he was eventually beaten nine lengths by Pass Me A Dime. As with many horses from the yard he probably needed that first outing and we could see a much better display this afternoon. Liberia hails from a top yard and although he has shown very little in two races in this country he has strong claims on his previous form in France. Flying Patriarch made a pleasing chase debut behind Jolly Boy last time and is another to consider for place purposes. So not the strongest of contests and Smart Cavalier looks the best option.
Bel Ombre (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Close up on outside, lost place 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 8, 27l behind Amarula Ridge (10-8) at Doncaster 2m mdn chs (D) gd in Dec.
Liberia (FR) 13-8fav (11-5) Led, driven when fell 4 out in race won by Amarula Ridge (10-8) at Doncaster 2m mdn chs (D) gd in Dec, 8 ran.
Peveril Pride 100-1 (11-6) Pecked 1st, towards rear, ridden, weakened 13th pulled up 4 out in race won by Lough Derg (11-6) at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (D) gs in Dec, 14 ran.
Smart Cavalier 6-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, not always fluent, held up in rear, hit 6th, headway from 9th, chased winner 3 out, tried to close before 2 out, no impression before last, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Pass Me A Dime (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (E) gd in Nov.
Flying Patriarch 14-1 (10-4) Chased leaders, chased winner from 3rd until 4 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 8, 14l behind Jolly Boy (10-4) at Windsor 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Dec.
Oh Golly Gosh 100-1 (10-0) Mid-division, weakened 8th, unseated rider 3 out, remounted, 6th of 10, well behind Villon (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (E) hvy in Dec.
Montgermont (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, hit 4th, led and blundered 6th, soon headed, hampered 9th, mistake 12th, soon one pace, 3rd of 11, 12l behind Taranis (10-9) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (C) gd in Nov.
