held up in rear, went 4th before 8th, no impression, pulled up before 3 out
took keen hold, made all, jumped left at times, clear after 2nd, hit 3 out, clambered over last, all out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 9th until after 3 out, soon weakened
chased winner until 9th, went 2nd again soon after 3 out, unable to close gap, stumbled 2 out, no impression
held up, last 6th, reminders after next, soon behind, pulled up before 3 out
held up, reminder after 7th, well behind 9th, pulled up before 3 out
BENNYS MIST won twice over hurdles last May and completed a hat-trick when gaining a debut success over fences in a beginners' event at Exeter in October. He's been running well enough in handicaps to suggest he can get back to winning ways with the form of his latest run at Newbury working out very well. Foxesbow was in fine form early in his career over fences winning his fifth handicap off a mark of 112. He's down 3lb here and though his recent form leaves plenty to be desired don't be surprised by a revival. Bellflower Boy is much better over hurdles but can race from a massive 21lb lower over fences while Ballyegan has the ability to get involved with his lowly weight. Kellystown Lad had been running poorly over fences before a couple of better runs over hurdles and though Rackham Lerouge takes a drop in grade he may find the ground too testing.
Rackham Lerouge (FR) 7-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, led 8th until 10th, lost place approaching 3 out, no chance when bad mistake last, 8th of 9, 39l behind Buck Mulligan (11-6) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gs in Nov.
Bennys Mist (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Raced keenly, in touch, led 4th, driven 2 out, headed between last 2, soon ridden, weakened into 5th flat, 5th of 15, 13l behind Rolling Aces (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Bellflower Boy (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Mistake 1st, always behind, 11th of 15, 37l behind Monsieur Cadou (10-0) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
Kellystown Lad (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Held up in touch, headway before last to go 3rd, one pace, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Victor Hewgo (11-11) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Nov.
Foxesbow (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Mid-division, dropped to rear 7th, hampered next, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Moscow Chancer (10-9) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Nov.
Ballyegan (IRE) 18-1 (10-6) In touch when mistake and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Ballyoliver (11-5) at Newbury 3m 2f am hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 12 ran.
