led, not fluent 2nd, mistake and headed 8th, led again before 3 out, headed approaching when stumbled on landing and unseated rider last
tracked leaders, keen, driven to challenge in 4th when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, jumped slowly 5th and 6th, soon outpaced in rear, tailed off after 4 out, left in 4th 2 out, left in remote 3rd at last
tracked leader, led 8th, headed before 3 out, rallied next, held in 3rd when hampered and left in 2nd at last, no chance with winner
in touch, smooth headway after 3 out, led on bit approaching last, ran on strongly, impressive
Nicky Henderson won this with Altior last year and BRAIN POWER follows the same path having won a novice chase at Kempton last month. The latter jumped well for the most part at Kempton and won over hurdles on this card last year. Finian's Oscar is another exciting prospect over fences having won over a longer trip at Cheltenham with something to spare and North Hill Harvey took another step forward with an impressive display to win last month’s Arkle Trial at the same track. Dan Skelton’s charge had earlier beaten subsequent winner Sceau Royal while Capitaine returned an easy winner at Market Rasen but meets much tougher opposition in this.
Brain Power (IRE) 1-2fav (11-0) Made all, jumped well, clear 2nd, drew further clear after 2 out, impressive, won at Kempton 2m 2f (4) gs in Nov beating War Sound (11-0) by 28l, 4 ran.
Capitaine (FR) Evensfav (11-8) Tracked front pair, went 2nd behind clear leader 4th, close up 6th, led soon after, drew clear before 3 out, unchallenged after, very easily, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f (3) gd in Oct beating Western Miller (11-8) by 22l, 7 ran.
Finian's Oscar (IRE) 10-11fav (11-10) Blundered 1st, tracked leader, reached for 4 out, soon close up, led after next, headed after 2 out, ridden and rallied to regain lead flat, going away towards finish, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gs in Nov beating Movewiththetimes (11-2) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.
North Hill Harvey 6-4 (11-5) Led to before 3rd, tracked leader, headway to lead again 3 out, drew clear turning in, driven out, comfortably, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov beating River Wylde (11-2) by 18l, 3 ran.
Sceau Royal (FR) 1-16fav (11-7) Jumped well, made all from sole rival, clear from 6th, sauntered home, won at Warwick 2m (3) gs in Nov beating San Pedro De Senam (10-9) by 21l, 2 ran.
