held up, headway after 8th, tracked leading pair 11th, ridden 3 out, soon held, mistake last
tracked leaders, 2nd 6th to 9th, weakened 3 out
tracked clear leader until 6th, weakened 8th
held up, lost touch 4th, mistake 3 out
held up in touch, tracked leader from 9th, ridden 2 out, led last, all out flat
led and keen, soon clear, ridden and challenged 2 out, headed when hit last, outbattled
Difficult to look beyond TCHICO POLOS who should prove far too strong for this opposition barring accidents. Red Admiral could be the one to chase him home although Man From Highworth's latest effort entitles him to respect. Paul Nicholls has had one or two of his smart hurdlers entered up in chases since the new season began and this individual looks very promising. He wasn't beaten far behind Free World in France and won his first two starts for this yard very easily before coming unstuck in a competitive handicap at Sandown in December. He's sure to have been well schooled and is hard to oppose. Red Admiral boasted a similar rating over timber and progressed well throughout last season. He hasn't always convinced but is versatile and could pose a threat if taking to this game. Man From Highworth gained a first success over fences when successful at Warwick but is going to struggle to give the weight away whilst there's nothing in the form book to suggest that Project Gallery, Kirbys Glen or Pastek will be troubling the judge or Tchico Polos.
Man From Highworth 7-1 (10-5) Held up in 3rd, went 2nd after 3 out, led 2 out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m nov stks (4) gd beating Soixante (11-5) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Kirbys Glen (IRE) 3-1fav (9-12) Soon chasing leaders, led 9th, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 27l behind Silver Adonis (11-8) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Pastek (FR) 28-1 (10-12) Led until 4 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Fit To Drive (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f beg chase (4) gd.
Project Gallery (IRE) 15-2 (10-5) Chased leaders, ridden and behind from 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Mount Benger (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd, 9 ran.
Red Admiral (USA) 33-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, hit 4th, headway approaching 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 8th of 21, 18l behind Culcabock (11-0) at Aintree 2m cond hcp hdl 4yo+ (2) gs.
Tchico Polos (FR) 13-2 (10-11) Took keen hold early, soon in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 9th of 12, 19l behind Sunnyhillboy (10-12) at Sandown 2m Lst hcp hdl 0-145 (1) gs in Dec.
