held up and keen, jumped right, went 2nd 4th, led 7th to 14th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 4 out
led to 7th, led again 14th, ridden 4 out, headed 3 out, not quicken towards finish
tracked leader to 4th, hit 11th, headway after 14th, ridden 3 out, ran on flat
held up, headway 11th, led 3 out, hung right from 2 out, driven out
Touch Closer has hit a rich vein of form and gets the verdict ahead of Master Tern and Curtins Hill. Peter Bowen's eight-year-old has landed a couple of races at Market Rasen recently and although just scraping home last time, should make it three in a row. The trainer has always said he will be better over a longer trip, so today's distance may bring out further improvement. Curtins Hill didn't jump well last time and was well beaten behind Rheindross. His previous form was of a high standard and if he lifts his feet today he should be in the shake up. Master Tern returned from a break to chase home Ross Comm over course and distance and with improvement expected he should take a hand in the finish. Pequenita looks the pick of the others, but it is hard to ignore Touch Closer in this mood and he gets our vote.
Curtins Hill (IRE) 28-1 (10-1) Held up, mistake 1st, blundered 2nd, some headway 5 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 32l behind Rheindross (10-3) at Uttoxeter 4m hcp chs 0-140 (B) gf in Jun.
Touch Closer 2-1fav (10-11) Tracked leader, led 4 out soon ridden, headed next, led 2 out, headed last, all out to lead again post, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov chs (D) gf beating Tonic Du Charmil (11-2) by a shd, 6 ran.
Master Tern (USA) 12-1 (10-12) Held up, headway to join leaders 13th, chased winner next , soon no impression, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Ross Comm (10-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf.
Noble Justice (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, lost place 8th, no real danger after, 5th of 14, 29l behind Sacrifice (10-12) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf.
Pequenita 4-1 (11-1) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Friendly Request (9-9) at Market Rasen 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf.
