Gibb River was frustrating on the Flat but has taken well to hurdles, scoring at Huntingdon and Plumpton. He could easily complete his hat-trick but the soft ground here is an unknown variable and Nicky Henderson's charge may struggle to give 4lb to SIRE DE GRUGY. Just caught out through lack of experience on his hurdling bow at Kempton, he made no mistake when odds-on at Fakenham on New Year's Day and comes from a family that generally relish plenty of give in the ground. Andhaar appears to be going the right way but Alarazi may find this company too taxing and Blenheim Brook would ideally prefer a bit further, though he will also like the going. Dorabelle and Maoi Chinn Tire have plenty to prove at this level but newcomers Proud Times and Spirit Is Needed have potential based on their form on the Flat.
Andhaar 10-11fav (11-5) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd after 3rd, hit 2 out, soon led, hit last, stayed on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Taketimeout (10-12) by 5l, 6 ran.
Alarazi (IRE) 11-4fav (11-12) Held up behind, headway and in touch 4th, challenged 3 out, led approaching next, headed last, ridden and kept on same pace, no impression with winner flat, 2nd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Credit Swap (11-5) at Leicester 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Blenheim Brook (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Tracked clear leader, ridden and slightly outpaced approaching 2 out, kept on from last, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Cunning Clarets (11-7) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Gibb River (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Tracked leader, led 4 out, clear when hit last, very easily, won at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs beating Mr Muddle (10-7) by 7l, 14 ran.
Proud Times (USA) 4-1 (9-10) Joined leader 9f out, led 3f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Hidden Glory (9-0) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs in Dec (flat).
Sire De Grugy (FR) 4-9fav (11-5) Led chasing group, overall leader approaching 6th, clear before 2 out, very easily, won at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (5) gs beating Aviador (11-5) by 19l, 10 ran.
Spirit Is Needed (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway when switched sharply left on bend after 3 out, chased leaders before 2 out, stayed on well flat to 2nd final 100 yards, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Iolith (11-12) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Dorabelle (IRE) 6-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd, narrow lead after 2 out, ridden and pressed after last, held on towards finish, driven out, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f cond mrs nov hdl (4yo+) (4) sft in Nov beating Boragh Princess (11-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Maoi Chinn Tire (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Held up in rear and keen, headway after 4 out, challenged 3 out, soon led, clear approaching last, readily, won at Wetherby 2m Listed hdl 3yo (1) gd in Oct beating Meetings Man (11-4) by 9l, 13 ran.
