led until after 1st, chased winner until 2 out, no extra before last
made virtually all, clear 2 out, stayed on
chased leaders, not always fluent, pushed along 11th, disputing 3 lengths 2nd when crumpled on landing and virtually fell 3 out, no chance after and pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, last 4 out, closed to take 2nd 2 out, no impression on winner, mistake last, stayed on
held up, went 3rd 5th, jumped left 12th, not fluent next, ridden 3 out, no impression, no extra next
Theatre Mill was winning for the first time in this country at Southwell last month but has another 5lb to carry here and looks vulnerable. Gentleman Jon is 5lb higher than when winning this last year and hard to catch right but Present Man still has plenty of scope over fences and should be winning soon whereas Closest Friend is in danger of becoming disappointing. I'M IN CHARGE bounces off this fast ground and has already won three times here. He came back to form on his return to action over hurdles and that will have set him up nicely for this.
Gentleman Jon 4-1 (11-0) In touch, tracked leaders 4th, losing ground when mistake 10th, soon pulled up, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Present Man (IRE) 4-6fav (10-12) Led, ridden after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, headed before mistake last, no impression flat, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Sugar Baron (10-12) at Wincanton 3m 1f (4) gf in May.
Closest Friend 7-4 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd from 4th, chased winer and no impression from 2 out, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Pinkie Brown (10-4) at Towcester 2m (4) gf in Oct.
I'm In Charge 12-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear on outside, slightly hampered on bend before 6th, closed 7th, led 3 out, clear flat, comfortably, won at Exeter 2m 6f hcp (4) gf in Oct beating Somerset Lias (11-8) by 6l, 11 ran.
Theatre Mill (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Held up in touch in rear, steady headway approaching 11th, 3rd 2 out, led last, kept on well run-in, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Violets Boy (11-12) by 2l, 5 ran.
