held up in 4th, headway 4 out, every chance last, no extra flat
held up in 3rd, driven to challenge when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
tracked clear leader, took closer order 4 out, every chance from 3 out, led just after last, edged right, ridden out and ran on well (no time taken)
led, soon 10 lengths clear, challenged from 3 out, headed last, weakened close home
Disappointingly just the four runners line up for the Henry VIII and it is difficult to oppose CRACK AWAY JACK, who gets the vote ahead of First Point and Somersby. Henrietta Knight's gelding was good value for his win at Warwick last month when beating Kanad by 14 lengths but that was on good ground and he has yet to prove that he handles ground this testing so may be best watched. Tchico Polos showed improved form for Paul Nicholls when getting the better of Dee Ee Williams at Exeter last month on his reappearance and he has to be respected on ground that suits but a bigger threat is likely to come from First Point. Nicky Henderson's gelding looked useful when making a winning debut over fences when landing a beginners' chase at Ludlow last month for which he earned a rating of 142 but a better bet looks to be Crack Away Jack. Emma Lavelle's gelding was rated 156 over hurdles when last seen over timber when fourth in the Champion Hurdle and was impressive when making a winning start to his chasing career here last month, easily beating Calusa Crystal, and justifying prohibitive odds. This is a lot better than that race but Crack Away Jack can win again before going on to better things.
Crack Away Jack 1-5fav (11-1) Held up in 3rd, closed to lead 3 out, clear approaching 2 out, easily, won at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) gd in Nov beating Calusa Crystal (10-8) by 17l, 3 ran.
First Point (GER) Evensfav (11-1) Chased leader, led 2nd, in command 4 out, not fluent 2 out, easily, won at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Is It Me (11-1) by 12l, 7 ran.
Somersby (IRE) 11-10fav (11-1) Disputed 2nd, headway 4 out, led before 2 out, drew clear between last 2, stayed on well comfortably, won at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Kanad (11-1) by 14l, 5 ran.
Tchico Polos (FR) 5-1 (11-6) Made all, raced keenly, soon clear, 5 lengths ahead 4 out, not fluent last, driven out, won at Exeter 2m 1f nov chs (2) gs in Nov beating Dee Ee Williams (11-1) by 4l, 6 ran.
