chased winner until 4 out, ridden and outpaced after next, went modest 2nd again last, no chance with winner
made all, mistake 5th, ridden clear before mistake 2 out, kept on strongly, unchallenged
tracked leading pair, 2nd when stumbled 4 out, driven along and no impression before 2 out, mistake and lost 2nd last
Course and distance winner Garrahalish hasn’t raced since weakening out of contention in an amateurs’ race at Cheltenham in October so this looks a good opportunity for MASTERPLAN to finally get his head in front over fences. He’s not reproduced his hurdles form over the larger obstacles so far but is very well handicapped if getting his act together. Oscatara did win a three-runner race at Perth back in 2015 but is thoroughly exposed over fences compared to the selection.
Garrahalish (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Prominent, ridden and ridden 15th, 8 lengths off front pair 4 out, weakened before 2 out, 9th of 17, dist behind Troika Steppes (11-3) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Masterplan (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Led ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 10, 24 1/4l behind Vinnie Red (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Oscatara (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, ridden before 4 out, kept on same pace, never on terms, weakened before last, 5th of 8, 25 3/4l behind Plaisir D'amour (11-12) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (4) gs in Feb.
