led after 1st to 3rd, led again next, headed after 10th, chased clear leader (winner), headway and close up 3 out to before next, kept on same pace, no chance after
led to after 1st, led again 3rd to next, tracked leader, blundered 5th, regained lead after 10th, soon clear, reduced advantage 3 out, drew clear again before next, unextended
pushed along, in rear most of way, mistake 3rd, tailed off 11th, pulled up before next
chased front pair virtually throughout, blundered 3rd, struggling 12th, tailed of 3 out
Last season’s World Hurdle winner at the Festival and current Gold Cup favourite, THISTLECRACK is impossible to oppose. He made a successful start over fences with a fluent display at Chepstow last month and a victory in this will further boost his confidence. Aqalim was never going to catch Colin Tizzard’s star when second at Chepstow but is still preferred to Ireland’s Marinero on these terms while Ballycross made a satisfactory debut over fences when second at Uttoxeter last month and should be winning in lesser company before long.
Marinero (IRE) Evensfav (11-8) Led, 3 lengths clear halfway, pushed along after last and strongly pressed final furlong, kept on under pressure, headed close home, 2nd of 4, hd behind Monksland (11-12) at Galway 2m 7f gd in Oct.
Thistlecrack 1-6fav (11-0) Made all, pressed 2 out, drew clear on bit after last, very easily, won at Chepstow 3m (3) gs in Oct beating Aqalim (11-0) by 4l, 5 ran.
Aqalim 7-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, lost place after 13th, soon outpaced, rallied 4 out, effort to press easy winner 2 out, soon ridden, no chance from last, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Thistlecrack (11-0) at Chepstow 3m (3) gs in Oct.
Ballycross 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, 2nd from 11th until before 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied last, 2nd flat, unable to challenge winner, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Cottersrock (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f (3) gs in Oct.
