in touch in last pair, headway 3 out, edged left and led approaching 2 out, clear when mistake last, ridden out
chased leader until after 3 out, still close up when not much room and squeezed out before jumping slowly 2 out, soon weakened
in touch in last pair, ridden after 7th, mistake 9th, jumped slowly 10th, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
led, soon clear, ridden approaching 10th, headed before 2 out, one pace
held up in 3rd, close up when short of room before 2 out, no impression on winner when mistake last, one pace
Nonrunner
A surprisingly low turnout for this novice chase and with small fields suiting WESSEX KING, we offer him the nomination on this occasion. Dastardly Dick has clearly had a few problems but he is more than capable on his day and Victor Dartnall is sure to have schooled him extensively. Federstar does not appeal as being particularly well handicapped over hurdles so has rather been forced into the switch to the bigger obstacles. Shadow Dancer was a useful hurdler and was one of the market leaders for the Coral Cup at last year's Cheltenham Festival. The market will give us an idea of what is anticipated.
Darstardly Dick (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Not fluent, always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before last, in a race won by Markington (11-3) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Jun, 16 ran.
Federstar (GER) 14-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, not fluent last, one pace, 5th of 13, 13l behind Bella Haze (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gs in May.
Indian Pipe Dream (IRE) 33-1 (11-6) In rear, soon cajoled along, always behind, tailed off, 6th of 7, 49l behind Balthazar King (11-6) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Sep.
Kitley Hassle 5-2 (12-5) Led to 7; drpd rr 12; lft 2nd 3 out; no imp, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Deimne (11-7) at Upcott Cross 3m ptp in May.
Shadow Dancer (IRE) 11-4fav (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, ridden after 3 out, no impression from next, 7th of 13, 23l behind Bella Haze (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gs in May.
Wessex King (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Held up in 5th, headway to go 2nd when hit next, led 7th, headed 11th, weakened last, 3rd of 7, 24l behind Otage De Brion (11-5) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in May.
