tracked leaders in 4th, outpaced when hampered 3 out (usual 6 out), never able to challenge, weakened on long flat
held up in rear, chased leaders under pressure after last (usual 4 out), ridden and weakened on long flat
led to 4th, tracked leader, led again after 5th before next, close up in 2nd when fell 3 out (usual 6 out)
held up in 5th, left 3rd 3 out (usual 6 out), effort approaching omitted 2 out, ridden and stayed on to chase winner towards finish
pressed leader, led 4th to after next, led again 6th, headed last (usual 4 out), stayed on and every chance approaching omitted 2 out no extra when lost 2nd inside final furlong
tracked leading pair, left 2nd 3 out (usual 6 out), led last (usual 4 out), hard pressed approaching omitted 2 out, ridden and stayed on well final furlong
Carlito Brigante mastered Domtaline close home at Cheltenham eights days ago but the latter's trainer, Paul Nicholls, may enjoy some measure of revenge here with his UNIONISTE receiving 10lb from Gordon Elliott's charge. There's a theory that the former isn't entirely straightforward while the latter jumped with zest when winning for Guillaume Macaire at Auteuil in May and should continue to progress. Rebel Dancer was taking on experienced handicappers at Market Rasen last time and should find this easier while Distime is an interesting newcomer but Inoogoo took a heavy fall at Perth and may need his confidence rebuilding.
Carlito Brigante (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Held up in touch, left 2nd 2 out, soon switched right, driven to challenge when edged left and bumped flat, led towards finish, ran on, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs beating Domtaline (11-11) by shd, 7 ran.
Rebel Dancer (FR) 16-1 (10-10) Towards rear, ridden before last, never dangerous, 7th of 16, 17l behind The Disengager (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Sep.
Akula (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Blundered and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Sire De Grugy (11-2) at Kempton 2m beg chs (4) gd, 11 ran.
Distime (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Mid-division, blundered 5th, mistake and well beaten 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 20, well behind Alpha Victor (10-8) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Inoogoo (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Mid-division, in touch 10th, disputed 3rd and staying on when fell 3 out, in a race won by Aneyeforaneye (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Sep, 8 ran.
Unioniste (FR) (10-3) won at Auteuil(FR) 2m 1f 4yo chs in May beating Upwelling (10-10) by 12l, 10 ran.
