keen hold, tracked leader, led before 4th and soon clear, 5 lengths ahead when blundered last, no extra under pressure and headed final 75 yards
held up in 4th, disputing 2nd when over jumped 2 out, no extra before last
held up in 4th, not fluent 3rd, blundered 9th, hung left and driven after 3 out, chased clear leader last, stayed on to lead final 75 yards
reluctant to line up, led to before 4th, chased leader, not fluent 7th, mistake 10th, hard driven between last two and weakened
held up last, mistake 3rd, effort and jumped right 3 out, disputing 2nd last, weakened flat
The Paul Nicholls-trained Ivanoph ran his best race since successful at Wincanton in November when chasing home Abalvino at Newbury last month and has claims off the same mark today but may again have to settle for minor honours. Former stablemate Executive Decision gained his first win since joining current connections when winning at Huntingdon last time but has more to do off a 9lb higher mark today. Skinsey Finnegan only just gets two miles and, while the presence again of Tony McCoy is a major plus, the stiff uphill finish may not suit the American-bred gelding. With both Heavenly Stride and Colombian Green making limited appeal, it may be worth taking a chance with Jarro. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding is only 6lbs higher than when scoring impressively at Uttoxeter in December and, although disappointing at Chepstow subsequently, that was under very testing conditions. The ground here will be more suitable for the seven-year-old, who is worth a bet at forecast odds.
