held up towards rear, headway after 5f, outpaced over 4f out, kept on final 2f
in rear, headway 7f out, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, challenged 3f out, not quicken inside final furlong
held up, headway 6f out, lost place over 2f out
tracked leaders, lost place 3f out
led, headed 9f out, soon weakened
held up, headway to join leaders halfway, challenged over 3f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader, led 9f out, edged right final furlong, held on well
Alan Swinbank's record in bumpers alone is enough to side with Sir Tantallus Hawk. Awesome George is best of those with experience and The Bonus Ball one of the more interesting newcomers. Alan Swinbank's strike rate in these contests is almost one in three over a five year period and he is three from six at this course over the same period. It would be no surprise to see the selection make a winning debut. The obvious threat has been performing well in junior bumpers, finishing fifth in a Listed race at Cheltenham last time. This longer trip shouldn't hold any fears for him and it will be a surprise if he's not in the frame. Market support for the Flat bred The Bonus Ball would look significant and he could be more precocious than some of his National Hunt bred opponents. Alderbridge, The Silent King and Rubipresent are three to note but they may well need more time and further. The betting will help but Sir Tantallus Hawk heads our short-list.
Alderbridge (IRE) Alderbrook gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Alfloramoor 20-1 (10-9) Raced keenly, tracked leader, led halfway, headed over 3f out, soon beaten, 7th of 11, 44l behind The Old Pretender (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Howzat Harry 50-1 (10-13) Mid-division, pushed along over 7f out, soon dropped rear, tailed off, 15th of 16, well behind Blencathra Bay (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
The Silent King (IRE) Muroto gelding, half-brother to winning hurdlers Phar Out Phavorite and Kingsmaster.
Awesome George 6-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 15, 8l behind Lord Generous (10-12) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs in Jan.
Don't Tell Louie 10-1 (10-10) Held up, weakened over 5f out, tailed off, 14th of 17, well behind Queen Poline (10-1) at Haydock 2m nhf (4) sft in Nov.
Trigger Lea 20-1 (11-2) Held up, never dangerous, 14th of 18, 26l behind Dayia (10-6) at Huntingdon 2m mrs nhf (5) gs.
Tuckers Mist 40-1 (10-7) In touch, niggled along after 6f, soon dropped out, tailed off, 13th of 15, well behind Nulato (11-11) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Ginger Tom Erhaab gelding out of 7f-2m winner Arctic Guest.
Rubipresent (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Azaban.
The Bonus Ball (IRE) Tobougg gelding, half-brother to winning sprinter Najeyba and 6f-7f winner Black Herod.
Inspector Frost 7-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 39l behind Pakineo des Pictons (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Sir Tantallus Hawk Overbury gelding out of 1m5f and hurdles winner Mobile Miss.
