tracked leading trio, hit 3rd, not fluent 6th, pushed along after 4 out, weakened next
tracked leading pair, hit 3 out, weakened into 4th and blundered last
led, joined soon after 2 out, strongly pressed last, ridden and found little flat, headed and lost 2nd towards finish
held up last, headway to chase leading pair after 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat, went 2nd near finish
chased leader, hit 3rd, jumped slowly next, hard ridden to challenge soon after 2 out, almost upsides last, driven ahead towards finish
FREE WORLD couldn't be a confident pick but does get our vote in a cracking race where all have Festival aspirations. Gauvain took a heavy fall at Fontwell and this is probably not the ideal track or race in which to attempt to restore his confidence although he has an 11lb swing for eight lengths with Free World on their course and distance running in November. The selection failed to give his running at Ascot in January in a race where Panjo Bere pounced late under a brilliant Jamie Moore ride to get the better of Calgary Bay. Free World has plenty to prove following that run but had looked good when second to Araldur in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase and is given the chance to resurrect his reputation. Nothing should be taken away from Panjo Bere's success and he must be a threat to all although the weight concession won't make life easy. Cornas was touted as an Arkle possible following his stylish win at Ludlow but the track and opposition could hardly be more different and we're happy enough to pay to find out whether he's good enough. The track is a slight issue for Doctor David who has gone from strength to strength this season and ran a blinder behind I'msingingtheblues at Doncaster. There is a school of thought that he's best on flat tracks which will be put to the test here but it's enough to put us off his chances. Free World's Ascot run will be enough to put many off his chance but not us.
Panjo Bere (FR) 16-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, edged left under pressure, flat, won at Ascot 2m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan beating Calgary Bay (11-7) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Doctor David 9-2co-fav (10-11) Held up, headway 5 out, went 2nd 3 out, upsides last, no extra final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 3l behind I'msingingtheblues (11-0) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs (2) gs in Jan.
Free World (FR) 4-5fav (11-1) Led, hit 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, very tired when mistake last, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Panjo Bere (11-4) at Ascot 2m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Cornas (NZ) 7-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 1st, headway 8th, led 3 out, ran on well flat, pushed out, won at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) sft in Jan beating Idarah (11-0) by 5l, 11 ran.
Gauvain (GER) 8-15fav (11-4) Led, hit 3rd, quickening pace when fell 5 out in race won by Heathcote (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov chs (3) hvy, 3 ran.
