led to 2nd, with leader, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and one pace
held up mid-division, headway 6th, no impression from 3 out
prominent until weakened 5th
held up mid-division, no headway from 7th
always behind, mistakes 1st and 4th, tailed off
prominent to 5th, soon weakened, tailed off
always prominent, led after 3 out, clear when jumped left last, very easily
behind from 6th, tailed off
keen, led after 2nd until after 3 out, hit 2 out, ridden next, weakening when mistake last
keen and prominent to 4th, ridden and weakened 6th, tailed off
held up mid-division, headway 6th, one pace 2 out
held up in touch, ridden and weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division to 5th, soon behind, pulled up before 2 out
always in rear, ridden 4th, tailed off when pulled up last
always behind, tailed off from 5th
The Market Man has obvious claims and should oblige, with Golden Duck, Magnificent Seven and Troodos Valley all playing for the places. Although Nicky Henderson is yet to hit top form, his runners are not faring too badly at present and The Market Man looks one to follow after his debut win for the stable at Kempton on 3 November. A classy sort in New Zealand where he ran in the Derby on the Flat, he had schooled brilliantly by all accounts before being unleashed over hurdles and it was no surprise when he beat McBain. He should be well up to defying a penalty before going on to better things. There are some other promising sorts in opposition including Golden Duck, although the Twiston-Davies stable seems to have enjoyed its purple patch for the time being. Magnificent Seven is sure to have been well schooled but has his first start since May, while Troodos Valley shaped well at Huntingdon and his stable is just starting to gather momentum. All will do well to stop The Market Man from following up and he is a confident choice
