held up. in touch, went 3rd at 10th, every chance, left in lead 3 out, jumped left last, ridden out
in rear, jumped slowly 10th, never dangerous
close up, jumped slowly, lost place 8th, headway approaching 2 out, soon one pace
led until headed 4 out, soon weakened
close up, joined leader 8th, led 4 out, blundered, unseated rider next
held up, in rear, headway 11th, mistake 3 out, lost place, ridden, headway approaching 2 out, stayed on flat
held up, in touch, every chance, left 2nd 3 out, weakened approaching last, blundered
in rear, behind, pulled up last
held up, mid-division, headway after 9th, ridden 3 out, no impression
chased leader to 8th, weakened 10th, behind, pulled up before 2 out
Big Rob, Icy Prospect and Pietro Vannucci take the eye in this decent handicap chase, and Big Rob is nominated to add to his winning tally. Jonjo O'Neill saddles Pietro Vannucci and the nine-year-old is set to need the run after an absence of 21 months but he was a four time winner in Ireland, and with the champion jockey in the saddle he can go well. Icy Prospect won well at Uttoxeter first time out and the form has been given a boost. Twice a winner over hurdles at the start of last season, he clearly comes to hand quickly and commands respect. A winner at Newbury and Wetherby last season, Brendan Powell's Big Rob looked an exciting prospect but he hasn't won since. He was made favourite for his seasonal bow at Cheltenham last month but fell when placed in fourth. He came on for his first run of last season, and is very highly regarded by his trainer, Big Rob is taken to resume winning ways.
Dark'n Sharp (GER) 33-1 (11-10) Mid-division, no extra from 5 out, pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by No Half Session (10-0) at Punchestown 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 sft in Apr, 21 ran.
Nawamees (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Mid-division, reminders 5th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 36l behind Crathorne (10-2) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gf in Oct.
You're Special (USA) 6-1 (11-0) Always behind, mistake 6th, struggling 9th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Whispered Secret (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Oct, 10 ran.
Figaro du Rocher (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, ridden approaching 8th, soon struggling, 6th of 12, 34l behind Magic Sky (11-2) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf in Sept.
Big Rob (IRE) 11-4fav (10-13) In touch, 4th and struggling when fell 2 out in race won by Whispered Secret (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gd in Oct, 10 ran.
Marked Man (IRE) 40-1 (10-3) Behind until ridden, kept on from 3 out, never near leaders, 5th of 16, 18l behind Tango Royal (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f lst hcp chs (A) gd in Jul.
Key Phil (FR) 11-2 (11-1) Prominent, 5th and weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Gatorade (10-5) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Apr, 10 ran.
Powder Creek (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, lost place 4 out, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Mister Arjay (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft in Oct, 11 ran.
Pietro Vannucci (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Always close up, 2nd when slight mistake 4 out, led after 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed 2 out, stayed on well from last, all out, won at Naas 2m beg chs sft in Feb '04 beating Atlantic Rhapsody (11-9) by 3/4l, 18 ran.
Icy Prospect (IRE) 11-4fav (11-12) In touch, led after 12th, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Oct beating Strong Magic (10-9) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
