Bun Doran was soon outpaced over 2m here on his hurdling debut but should do better with an extra half-mile to cover given he's already won a point-to-point over 3m. BUTTERCUP may be capable of making a winning start for Venetia Williams, however, as she was placed four times over hurdles and fences in France despite keeping decent company. Will O'the West wasn't disgraced behind Le Prezien at Ludlow and is another likely to appreciate a step up in trip while Bigbadjohn is surely better than he showed at Newbury.
Beallandendall (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, chased leaders, not fluent 6th or 7th, soon outpaced, weakened 9th, not fluent 4 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Ludlow 2m (3) hvy in Jan.
Bigbadjohn (IRE) 22-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, pushed along after 7th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, last of 10, dist behind Champers On Ice (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) sft in Nov.
Bun Doran (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd 5th until 2 out, 4th and no extra last, weakened flat, 4th of 12, 36l behind Buveur D'air (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn (3) sft in Nov.
Chief Brody 11-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 14, dist behind Never Equalled (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Deadly Move (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Prominent, every chance 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, pulled up last, at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Nov.
Far From Defeat (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear, mistake 2nd, not fluent 5th, well beaten 3 out, pulled up before next, at Warwick 2m 5f mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Just Bill (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Held up in 5th, driven 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next, at Chepstow 3m (4) hvy in Dec.
Will O'The West (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 3 out, stayed on strongly after last, never able to challenge, 5th of 16, 14 1/2l behind Le Prezien (11-0) at Ludlow 2m mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Buttercup (FR) 8-1 (10-1) 2nd of 8, 3l behind Ballotin (10-12) at Auteuil 2m 1f sft in Jun.
