held up and jumped left early, mistake 4th, chased leader after 6th, led 7th, ridden and jumped left 2 out, stumbled and fell last
prominent, ridden 9th, blundered 2 out, no chance when left 2nd last
held up in rear when mistake and unseated rider 1st
led, headed 7th, soon no chance
in touch, headway 4 out, chased leader and mistake 3 out, ridden to challenge after 2 out, every chance when fell last
chased leaders, challenged 8th, ridden 4 out, lost touch 3 out, left in lead last, ridden out
A couple of decent sorts in Natal and Hors La Loi III have won the past two runnings of this event, showing that a touch of class is needed and Acambo can be the one to provide it here, with Pepperoni Pete and Dusky Warbler taken to go well. David Pipe's Acambo was a fast ground maiden hurdle winner here a couple of seasons back and has done little but improve since. His latest run at Ascot was a very classy chase debut where he easily accounted for his opponents and without getting too carried away he certainly looks destined to be pushing top class in the future if he can maintain his upward curve. Pepperoni Pete is related to stayers and acts on the ground, so this step up in trip should suit him and from the champion's yard he is very much respected. Dusky Warbler was a classy hurdler who unseated too early for us to have a true picture of his chasing abilities at Huntingdon last time and there is no reason why he can't put up a bold showing. Nick Gifford's Russian Around is very interesting after more than a two-year absence following a debut success in a Wincanton novices' hurdle, but he looks best watched, and preference is for Acambo, who is a confident choice.
Acambo (GER) 2-5fav (11-0) Led 9th, left well clear 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Ascot 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov beating Self Respect (11-0) by 6l, 4 ran.
Dusky Warbler 15-8fav (11-7) Close up when unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Soulard (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Nov, 5 ran.
Pepporoni Pete (IRE) 4-5fav (11-1) Close up, led 9th, clear 3 out, driven and stayed on strongly flat, won at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) gd in Nov beating Star Shot (11-1) by 2l, 6 ran.
Pitton Prince 16-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden after 4 out, weakened 3 out, 7th of 16, 31l behind Oakfield Legend (11-5) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Nov.
Russian Around (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, headway 2 out, hampered last, switched left, ran on strongly to lead final stride, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (D) gd in Oct '05 beating Missyl (10-12) by a nk, 8 ran.
Triggernometry 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leader until blundered badly and dropped rear 7th, kept on from 3 out but no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Desert Quest (11-0) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) gf in Nov.
