tracked leaders, effort 4 out, soon ridden, outpaced 2 out
tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed next, every chance until no extra flat
close up, led 8th, headed 3 out, led again next, ridden and hung right flat, kept on
held up, headway 5 out, 5th and in touch when fell next
led, headed 8th, effort 4 out, ridden and outpaced 2 out
with leader, lost place 6th, soon struggling, tailed off 4 out
Nonrunner
Flake makes a quick reappearance and can complete a four-timer at the expense of Jurado Express, Aleron and Coat Of Honour. There is nothing like striking while the iron is hot, and Sue Smith intends to do just that with Flake after his comfortable success under a penalty at Catterick three days ago. That came on the back of equally impressive victories at Haydock and Sedgefield, and although he has gone up in the handicap as a result and shoulders another penalty, the six-year-old must surely take all the beating with conditions very much in his favour. Venetia Williams has her chasers in good order as well, and Jurado Express is therefore taken to chase the selection home. He made all at Wincanton last time to gain his first British success, but did not beat much and has more to do here. Coat Of Honour has mixed it with top company since going chasing and will be all the better for his Kempton return so is worth a mention at least, while Aleron needs to improve to shrug off topweight. The scene looks set then for Flake to oblige again.
Aleron (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Prominent, chased winner from 3rd, mistake 3 out and no impression, weakened last, 4th of 9, 20l behind Detroit City (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gs in Nov.
Jurado Express (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Made all, hit 2nd, driven clear from 3 out, pushed out, won at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov beating Kawagino (11-9) by 10l, 5 ran.
Coat of Honour (USA) 13-2 (11-2) Chased leader, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 7th of 11, 19l behind Crossbow Creek (11-10) at Kempton 2m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Oct.
The Biker (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) In rear, headway and close up when blundered badly and unseated rider 5 out in race won by Armaguedon (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov, 7 ran.
The Nomad 16-1 (11-7) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, not fluent 5th, weakened from 3 out, 4th of 8, 27l behind Mr Prickle (11-1) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
Ticket To Ride (FR) 18-1 (10-2) Always behind, tailed off from 4 out, last of 6, well behind Launde (11-9) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Flake 5-4fav (11-12) Always prominent, led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov beating Moorlaw (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
