led, not fluent early, headed before 8th, led after next, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat
prominent, led after 5th, headed before next, not fluent 12th or 4 out, ridden in 3rd when switched right and about to mount challenge when fell 2 out
tracked leaders on inside, not fluent 8th, outpaced from 10th, well held after 3 out, stayed on approaching last to take 2nd flat, no chance with winner
tracked leaders on outside, led before 8th, headed after next, jumped right and not fluent 12th, weakened after 3 out, badly hampered and unseated rider 2 out
held up in touch in rear, closed 10th, went 2nd 12th, led 2 out, ridden clear from last
Rocky Creek looked like an out-and-out stayer when beating Molotof at Doncaster and, on a line through the smart Harry Topper, looks to have a little to find with HIGHLAND LODGE. Emma Lavelle's novice was trying to give 3lb to that one at Newbury and has won impressively at Cheltenham since. Forgotten Gold is progressing nicely but may have to settle for a place back up in trip while Fill The Power, second twice in decent handicaps lately, may just lack the class of a couple of these. Tour Des Champs won on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter and easily landed a handicap at Ludlow last time but will need a lot more to trouble the principals here.
Highland Lodge (IRE) 2-1 (11-6) Made virtually all, drew readily clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Cheltenham 3m 1f nov chs (2) hvy in Dec beating Our Father (11-9) by 22l, 5 ran.
Tour Des Champs (FR) 6-1 (11-10) Led to after 1st, in touch, led again after 9th, made rest, pressed 4 out, drew readily from next, eased down towards finish, won at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec beating Allthekingshorses (11-10) by 16l, 9 ran.
Fill The Power (IRE) 9-2fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, outpaced after 5 out, rallied approaching 2 out, pressing winner flat, held close home, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Handtheprizeover (9-8) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
Forgotten Gold (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 7th, not fluent 13th, driven and effort after 3 out, chased winner when left clear 2nd next, ridden last, kept on same pace flat, well held when eased near finish, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Super Duty (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) sft in Dec.
Rocky Creek (IRE) 4-6fav (11-1) In rear, soon tracked leaders, led 7th, ridden and clear before last, stayed on strongly, won at Doncaster 3m nov chs (4) gs in Dec beating Molotof (11-3) by 4l, 5 ran.
