tracked leaders, went 2nd after 6th until after 8th, struggling 10th, mistake next, well behind 3 out
led, clear after 1st until before 9th, mistake 12th, headed after 3 out, plugged on, went 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner
held up, headway 9th, mistake next, soon struggling behind 3 out, pulled up before next
chased leader until after 6th, went close up 9th, led before last, clear flat, stayed on
in rear, not going that well early stages, headway 9th, outpaced 3 out, plugged on, just failed to get 3rd
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, went 2nd after 8th until next, weakened after 3 out, pulled up before next
fell 1st
in rear, not fluent 2nd, behind 10th, mistake and tailed off next, pulled up after
held up, not fluent 4th, headway 11th, led after 3 out, edged left after 2 out, headed before went right and tired jump last, lost 2nd towards finish, just held on to 3rd
This will be a typical Towcester slog with four course and distance winners on show, although all need to up their game from last time to feature. Nevertheless, it's tempting to forgive NALIM a strangely lacklustre performance the last day as previous efforts afford him serious claims here. Normally most consistent, he is worth another chance. Basford Ben seemed to rediscover some form at Huntingdon when last seen and is now 5lb lower than his last winning mark so a major run is anticipated. Mr Mcgregor and Cheat The Cheater usually can be relied upon to run their race and both should contend, notably the former with promising Finian O'Toole aboard claiming a useful 7lb.
Georgian King 7-1 (10-13) In touch when badly hampered 2nd, lost place and behind from 6th, lost touch after 8th, continued tailed off, 4th of 7, dist behind Newton Thistle (10-11) at Towcester 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Basford Ben 7-1 (11-8) Jumped left at times, led, clear before 2nd until 8th, mistake 4 out, 4 lengths ahead 2 out, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Arbeo (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Mr Mcgregor (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Led to 4th, outpaced before 6th, 5th of 11, 34 1/2l behind Newyearsresolution (10-0) at Wetherby 3m hcp (5) hvy in Jan.
Cheat The Cheater (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders on outside, pushed along before 13th, lost place next, rallied after 3 out, 3rd and stayed on same pace from next, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Bebinn (11-3) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (5) hvy in Jan.
Nalim (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Tracked leader until 5th, jumped slowly and lost place 7th, outpaced before 13th, well beaten 4 out, pulled up before last, at Southwell 3m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Mansonien L'as (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Prominent, jumped slowly and lost place 8th, ridden and struggling after, pulled up before 11th, at Huntingdon 3m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Admiral Blake 8-1 (10-10) In rear, headway 6 out, ridden before last, no extra, 5th of 10, 31 1/2l behind Auldthunder (11-2) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Carhue (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, soon ridden, one pace next, modest 4th when weakened last, 4th of 10, 20 1/4l behind Supreme Bob (11-2) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Jolly Boys Outing (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) In touch on inside, lost place and towards rear after 4th, no danger after, 6th of 9, dist behind Ballyegan (11-1) at Towcester 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
