held up, fell 3rd
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, tired and slow jumped last
in touch, hit 14th, chased winner from 3 out, no impression
led, headed after 4 out, soon weakened
held up, blundered 15th, soon beaten
held up, headway 5th, mistake 9th, hampered 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 15th
tracked leaders, led after 4 out, hit 2 out, ran on
The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Mistanoora on ratings should take this claimer but we go with YOUNG LORCAN while Ammunition shouldn't be dismissed form calculations. Mistanoora is the highest rated animal in the race and was formerly a high-class hurdler. Recent performances over fences have failed to reach those heights but he has put in some improved efforts recently including a place in a novice chase against similar opposition. Still a way to go to prove stamina over the big obstacles and it's for that doubt the vote goes to Young Lorcan. The pick wasn't disgraced in defeat to the useful-looking Pacco last time which capped a run of consistent displays this term that includes a handicap chase win at Stratford over a similar trip in testing conditions. Stamina not a problem then and looks well placed on these terms to score. Ammunition is returning from a 250-day absence but Carl Llewellyn will have him fit enough for this contest. Had an average chasing campaign last season but he did land a handicap over a shorter trip at Towcester. This is about his level and he won't have to find much to be a real threat. An improvement on last season's form could also put Methodical in the picture.
Mistanoora 8-1 (10-12) In rear, mistake 5th, went in touch 7th, driven 13th, weakened before next, 5th of 9, 36l behind Le Beau Bai (11-0) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Ammunition (IRE) 17-2 (10-7) Pulled early in mid-division, blundered 8th, ridden and outpaced 10th, stayed on from 2 out, 4th of 9, 2l behind Charlies Future (11-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Mar.
Ya I Know (IRE) 5-1 (10-10) In touch, mistake 8th, ridden and lost place next, beaten when blundered 2 out, 5th of 8, 20l behind Keltic Moon (11-1) at Towcester 2m 3f chs 0-95 (5) sft in Nov.
Alcatras (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Soon led, headed 7th, weakened 11th, behind 4 out and pulled up in race won by Flight Command (11-3) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Young Lorcan 8-1 (11-1) Held up, led briefly 5th, led 12th, mistake 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Pacco (11-9) at Chepstow 2m 3f cnd hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Snitton Salvo 200-1 (10-9) Mistakes, keen in rear, struggling from 16th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Scots Dragoon (10-13) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (3) gf in Oct, 6 ran.
Methodical 50-1 (11-2) Soon struggling in rear, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Lidjo De Rouge (10-8) at Folkestone 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov, 12 ran.
