tracked leaders, left 2nd 6th, led 8th, soon clear, very easily
led, hit 2nd and 7th, not fluent and headed next, no chance with winner 10th, hit next, lost 2nd 12th, very tired when mistake 3 out, tailed off
chased leader until blundered 6th, jumped big 9th, went 2nd 12th, no chance with winner
The odds are likely to be very unattractive for ROBINSON COLLONGES, but he is without doubt the one to beat. Noel Fehily and Paul Nicholls have already combined for plenty of winners in the absence of Ruby Walsh in the saddle and they look to provide the answer in this race. The selection has already won a chase at Bangor by twenty lengths and despite falling at Wincanton most recently that was a far tougher race than this. In addition, he was probably travelling the best prior to falling in that Grade 2 event and as long as he has recovered from that blunder, he is a comfortable pick. The prices will be reflective of his excellent chance and accordingly Abstract Art and Brimley will appeal to some punters at the greater odds of reward. Abstract Art returned from a lengthy absence at Taunton but was highly disappointing before pulling up. Brimley has disappointed under rules and he is without a win in twelve starts. However, he could improve over the fences as a previous point-to-point winner.
Robinson Collonges (FR) 2-1 (11-8) Bumped 1st, tracked leading trio, went 3rd 7th, tracked leader 9th, challenged 13th, led going strongly approaching 3 out, about 1 length ahead and looked likely winner when crumpled on landing and fell 3 out, in a race won by Wishfull Thinking (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gd, 5 ran.
Abstract Art (USA) 66-1 (11-2) In rear, pulled up before 8th, in a race won by Rebel Du Maquis (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd, 7 ran.
Brimley 40-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, lost place 4th, tailed off from after 6th, 15th of 17, well behind Court Red Handed (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
