led, mistake last, soon headed, no extra run-in
tracked leaders, mistake 12th, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, mistake 11th, every chance last, kept on under pressure
held up, headway 3 out, no fluent next, challenged last, soon led, driven out
Ice Tea stays longer than the mother-in-law so the drop in trip is not ideal; therefore Mr Strachan is fancied to make the most of the weight that he gets to record a first victory over fences. The selection has some very decent form to his name, namely second places behind Paddy Power Gold Cup winner L'Antartique and the more than useful Tidal Bay. The stable rate him very highly and with any further rain not a hindrance, he looks worth a bet. Despite the small field this could prove to be one of the best Novices' Chase in the North this season, and both Ice Tea and Love That Benny who both have double penalties to carry. Love That Benny comes here in the form of his life, whilst Ice Tea is a real battler and has been a revelation since the fitting of blinkers. Meanwhile Nudge And Nurdle travels up from the South to try and sneak the prize; he makes his chasing debut today but looks sure to do well and is likely to have been well-schooled. A lip-smacking, mouth-watering contest, and preference is for Mr Strachan.
Ice Tea (IRE) 10-11fav (11-8) Made all, drew clear approaching last, won at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (3) gf in Nov beating Ballyvoge (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Love That Benny (USA) 2-1fav (11-9) Mid-division, smooth headway and every chance 2 out, ridden and led approaching last, driven out, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Aug beating Lofty Leader (10-4) by 6l, 10 ran.
Mr Strachan (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Chased leader, led 4 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Tidal Bay (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Nov.
Nudge And Nurdle (IRE) 7-2co-fav (11-7) In rear, headway approaching 8th, led 2 out, kept on, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Sept beating Gold Gun (11-7) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
