held up in 5th, headway to 3rd at 9th, pushed along after 12th, left modest 2nd 4 out, no chance with winner
led, going well when mistake and fell 4 out
tracked leader, hit 2nd, travelling well when left clear 4 out, eased flat
chased leaders in 4th, hit 7th, driven along 9th, soon weakened, tailed off 12th, pulled up before last
chased leading pair, not fluent 5th and reminders soon after, under pressure in 5th when slithered on landing and fell 10th
keen hold early, held up in rear, poor 4th when jumped right 12th, left poor 3rd 4 out, tailed off when blundered next
Valick and Earth Planet give Mr Nicholls a strong hand, however GILES CROSS was much improved last time out and he is preferred. Vic Dartnall's son of Saddlers' Hall was pulled-up on his chasing debut at Exeter, but then turned in a much improved performance when second to Synchronised at the track. His proven track record and ability to act in the mud should set him in good stead. Earth Planet makes his chasing debut this afternoon and is an interesting recruit; he wasn't high class over hurdles and threatened to deceive a few times, however he cannot be too readily dismissed. Stablemate Valick is ridden by Christian Williams and this former Irish point-to-point winner should be watched for signs of support in the betting on this debut on the track. Starburst Diamond has lots to find on hurdling form with a few of these and his two chase runs so far have not been good enough to suggest that he will trouble the principles, a similar comment applies to Nebeltau who was prolific between the flags in Ireland before coming here, whilst Mark The Book has not been able to break his duck over fences despite having plenty of ability and the size to jump the fences well. Giles Cross looks worth a decent bet in the opener.
Earth Planet (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Behind when blundered and fell 5th, in a race won by Time For Rupert (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m Handicap Hurdle (0-155) (4yo+) (2) sft, 15 ran.
Giles Cross (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Led, headed approaching last, left 2nd last, no impression, 2nd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Synchronised (11-2) at Chepstow 3m nov chs (3) hvy.
Mark The Book (IRE) 9-2 (10-9) Led, pushed along approaching 4 out, kept narrow advantage until headed 2 out, still well there approaching last, tired jump, weakened flat, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Forest Pennant (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov.
Nebeltau (GER) 28-1 (10-10) Held up in touch, hit 8th, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 8, well behind Comhla Ri Coig (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Starburst Diamond (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) With winner, reminders 10th, lost place 12th, struggling 14th, soon no chance with leading pair, last of 3, well behind Mighty Man (11-1) at Hereford 3m 1f nov chs (3) sft.
Valick (FR) 6-1 (12-0) Mid div, 6th 4out, vl 3rd bef 2out, 4th & no impr aftr 2out, ko onepcd, 4th of 13, 8l behind Meet The Critics (12-0) at Bartlemy 3m ire ptp gd in May.
