always behind, tailed off from 7th
chased leaders, went 2nd 6th, weakening when hit 9th, tailed off
held up, headway 4th, weakened 9th
held up, headway 8th, chased winner 9th, ridden after 2 out, eased when beaten flat
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden 8th, weakened after next
pulled hard, led 1st, jumped right 2nd, headed and fell 3rd
led to 1st, with leader, led and left clear 3rd, jumped left 7th and 3 out, unchallenged
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, lost place 5th, tailed off from 7th
took keen hold, mistakes, left 2nd and hampered 3rd, lost 2nd 6th, weakened after 9th
held up, headway 5th, no impression from 9th
Tamarinbleu holds very good claims here, with Jacks Craic looking best of the rest Rated 145 at his best over hurdles, Tamarinbleu stands out on his Cheltenham second to Accordion Etoile in a novice event at Cheltenham on his chasing debut in November. Much as he was disappointing at Uttoxeter last time, the stable was under a cloud then and, if he is at his best, he is difficult to oppose. Based on his course and distance second to Palua last time, Jacks Craic would appear to be next best. A 97-rated winning hurdler, Imperial Rocket can be given some sort of chance, while, on her 2004 French form, Miss Colmesnil would have a squeak, but that seems a long time ago now. All in all, Tamarinbleu looks to hold a very good chance.
Arceye 66-1 (10-7) In touch, weakened 7th, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Alfasonic (10-12) at Towcester 3m nov hdl (4) sft, 15 ran.
Ballybean (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 8th, weakened after 10th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Green Tango (11-3) at Hereford 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft, 14 ran.
Imperial Rocket (USA) 100-1 (9-12) With leader, led 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, 13th of 15, well behind Go For Bust (11-7) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Jacks Craic (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 9th, chased winner 2 out, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Palua (11-10) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
Let's Rock 200-1 (10-10) Always behind, 7th of 14, well behind Green Tango (11-3) at Hereford 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft.
Powra 200-1 (10-5) Prominent, weakened 6th, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Private Be (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Dec.
Tamarinbleu (FR) Evensfav (11-3) Held up in touch, not fluent 4th, chased leaders 3 out, soon beaten, 5th of 10, 13l behind Villon (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (E) hvy in Dec.
Thyne Spirit (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, lost place 5th pulled up 5 out in race won by Alfasonic (10-12) at Towcester 3m nov hdl (4) sft, 15 ran.
Don't Matter 40-1 (9-12) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Barton Gate (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (G) hvy in Dec, 12 ran.
Miss Colmesnil (FR) 200-1 (10-10) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Green Tango (11-3) at Hereford 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft, 14 ran.
