mostly jumped well, made all, blundered 4 out, ridden after 2 out, big jump and pecked on landing last, stayed on well
tracked winner throughout, effort after 3 out, one pace when switched inside between last 2, ridden and kept on flat, always held
tracked rival pair throughout, outpaced before 3 out, well beaten after
Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson are quickly locking horns again in the new season. The former’s Bagad Bihoue and the latter’s FOREVER FIELD ended up on identical marks over hurdles so there should be little between the pair but we just prefer the seven-year-old on his first start over the larger obstacles. Midnight Cowboy was no slouch over timber and is also from a top yard so adds to the interest.
Bagad Bihoue (FR) Evensfav (11-8) Led, soon clear, headed before 2 out, stayed on same pace closing stages, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Cultivator (10-12) at Ascot 2m fll (3) gd in Oct.
Forever Field (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Held up, in rear, mistake 1st, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, never able to challenge, 5th of 7, 18 3/4l behind Younevercall (11-12) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Midnight Cowboy 6-4fav (12-0) Chased leaders, driven to challenge 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 9, 6 1/4l behind Milord (11-9) at Taunton 3m hcp (4) gd in Mar.
