Sage Advice was impressive making his hurdling debut at Kempton and may be capable of making a race of it with NASSALAM granted normal improvement. Gary Moore’s gelding looks the one to beat, however, despite failing to cope with Adagio in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. Yggdrasil is held on that run and Cabot Cliffs was further behind Adagio here previously.
Cabot Cliffs (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Led, headed after 2 out, 3rd and held when not fluent last, no extra flat, 4th of 8, 14 3/4l behind Duffle Coat (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
Nassalam (FR) Evensfav (11-0) Jumped left at times, chased leaders, went 2nd behind clear leader 2nd, closed 5th, led before 3 out, headed approaching last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Adagio (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (1) sft in Jan.
Sage Advice (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Held up in 5th, smooth headway and widest home straight, went 2nd when jumped right and bumped 2 out, led before last, quickened readily clear run-in, quite impressive, won at Kempton 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Tinnahalla (10-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Yggdrasil (FR) 14-1 (11-0) Chased clear leader until 2nd, outpaced before 3 out, well held after, not fluent 2 out, kept on flat, 5th of 8, 29 1/4l behind Adagio (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (1) sft in Jan.
