chased leaders, pushed along 7th, weakened before 5 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased winner, blundered 3 out, no impression
held up and keen, mistake 6th, went poor 3rd 5 out, laboured from 2 out
Just the four runners but among them is the selection My Way de Solzen, who is selected ahead of Regal Heights and The Cool Guy. My Way de Solzen looked the leading Arkle contender when making a winning chasing debut at Lingfield and, even though he was then beaten by Fair Along at Sandown, he got impressively got back to winning ways at Cheltenham last time. He is the one they all have to beat. Regal Heights showed good qualities, not least in his jumping when beating King Revo at Newcastle last time, and The Cool Guy was a high-class novice hurdler, having been last seen in January 2006 when second to Denman in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle. They rate as decent opponents but My Way de Solzen has to be the choice.
My Way de Solzen (FR) 4-9fav (11-4) Jumped well, made all, in command soon after 2 out, drew well clear approaching last, eased flat, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) hvy beating Turko (11-1) by 17l, 5 ran.
Curraheen Chief (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Always behind, 4th of 6, 48l behind Bob Hall (11-0) at Leicester 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Dec.
Regal Heights (IRE) 4-6fav (10-13) Led to 3rd, tracked leader, led again 8th, kept on well, ridden out flat, won at Newcastle 2m beg chs (4) sft beating King Revo (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
The Cool Guy (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Narrow leader, headed 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out, well beaten when blundered last, 2nd of 8, 21l behind Denman (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Jan '06.
