tracked leaders, jumped well, led approaching 3 out, headed before last, not pace of winner
tracked leader, every chance 2 out, led approaching last, quickened clear, impressive
led, not fluent 8th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened next, fell last
Another race on the card which has been dominated by the Nicholls stable in recent years. MODUS was rated 9lb higher over hurdles than Kalondra and 18lb higher than Valhalla. Though taking a while to warm to his task, he made a winning start over fences at Bangor and will have learned from the experience. Kalondra jumped well when scoring at Sedgefield and should have more to offer but the Tizzard runner has already raced three times over fences and is more exposed than his rivals.
Kalondra (IRE) 4-5fav (11-3) Jumped well, held up in last pair, quick move and headway to lead 9th, made rest, shaken up and kept on well from last, bit in hand, won at Sedgefield 2m 3f (4) gs in Oct beating Ballycrystal (11-3) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Modus 2-9fav (10-12) Held up, closed 10th, went 2nd 4 out, challenged 2 out, shaken up to lead last, clear towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct beating Midnight Target (10-5) by 5l, 3 ran.
Valhalla (IRE) 6-4fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, outpaced before 4 out, ridden before 3 out, left 3rd from last, no impression, 3rd of 6, 14 1/2l behind Darebin (10-13) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
