led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
in touch, ridden and lost place 3rd, weakened 3 out
held up last, headway after 3 out, ridden behind leaders approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, ran on well flat, just failed
mid-division, ridden and lost place 3rd, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden and weakened after 3f
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and challenged approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
mid-division, headway to lead approaching 2 out, shaken up approaching last, hard ridden flat, just held on
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
prominent, ridden 3 out, lost place when blundered last, kept on one pace flat
held up, mistake 3rd, not fluent 4th, ridden and effort 3 out, weakened approaching last
This card may be bookended by Paul Nicholls trained winners as SPECIAL OCCASION stands out in this field. Potential dangers are Song Sung Blue and Pourdel. The selection joined his powerful team following his win in a Listowel bumper in September and the form of the race has been given a real boost by the exploits of Realt Dubh. He is a half-brother to the useful Flat horse Gee Dee Nen amongst others so should stay further in time but this is a realistic introduction with opposition thin on the ground. Song Sung Blue has shown a reasonable level of form in bumpers and is one of the more viable alternatives if taking to hurdling whilst Pourdel should be all the better for his initial experience and can take closer order. In Vino has yet to match his bumper form having finished at a respectful distance behind some fair sorts on his two starts and that could once again be the case. It really is difficult to get away from Special Occasion.
Bruff Academy (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Led after 1st, hit 5th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 11th of 16, 32l behind Midnight Sail (11-0) at Ascot 2m 6f nh mdn hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Charlotte Street (IRE) 80-1 (10-9) In touch, ridden and weakening when hit 5th, 11th of 13, well behind King's Forest (10-9) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
In Vino 15-2 (10-9) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, some headway when hampered 2 out, no further impression, 8th of 17, 21l behind Somersby (10-12) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Johns Square (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Mid-division, ridden and weakened after 5 out, 11th of 13, well behind Comhla Ri Coig (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Pourdel (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on from next, 6th of 14, 14l behind Clova Island (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Song Sung Blue (IRE) 2-1fav (11-0) In touch, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 15, 16l behind Swansbrook (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Special Occasion 16-1 (11-4) Always close up, 2nd halfway, led 4f out, still travelling well when joined 3f out, ridden and slight advantage straight, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Listowel 2m nhf hvy in Sept beating Run For Charlie (11-2) by 2l, 18 ran.
Wandering Minstral 12-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next, 8th of 13, 38l behind Wessex King (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Orana Conti (FR) Robin Des Champs mare out of Cadoudaline.
Rhinestone Ruby 25-1 (10-10) Always towards rear, no impression, 9th of 11, 32l behind Shenanigan (10-5) at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
