PISTOL will have benefited for his first experience of chasing when finishing third over track and trip. Philip Hobbs' dual hurdles winner can come out best in this. A multiple point-to-point winner, My Dads Horse made a promising start over fences when making the frame at Ascot in November. He should figure in the finish while Crystal Swing is rated higher over hurdles than Lord Of The Dunes as both make their debuts over the larger obstacles.
Crystal Swing 9-1 (11-12) Held up in last, ridden after 7th, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd before next, no impression, one pace, 3rd of 10, 17l behind My Oh Mount Brown (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Lord Of The Dunes 6-4fav (11-9) Held up in mid-division, headway to 3rd 3 out, ridden and wanderd approaching 2 out, weakened to 4th and blundered last, 4th of 12, 14l behind Party Palace (10-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
My Dads Horse 12-1 (11-1) Held up 4th and last, under pressure 3 out, went remote 3rd after next, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 4, 22l behind Top Of The Range (11-1) at Ascot 2m 3f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.
Cool Fantasy (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) Always towards rear, hit 5th, tailed off in 7th when blundered last, 9th of 12, well behind The Game Is A Foot (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs in Nov.
Pistol (IRE) 4-1 (10-7) Tracked winner, well held when blundered badly 3 out, soon lost 2nd, one pace, 3rd of 5, 22l behind Caid Du Berlais (10-7) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (2) gd in Dec.
Enchanting Smile (FR) 28-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, tracked leading pair, hampered 1st, lost 3rd 4th, went right and mistake 7th, struggling in rear when blundered 4 out, tailed off, last of 5, well behind Pendra (11-7) at Lingfield 2m nov chs (4) hvy in Nov.
