led, headed after 5 out, mistake next, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, under pressure 5 out, soon rallied, stayed on to go 3rd at 2 out, never able to challenge
with leader, led approaching 4 out, headed next, rallied last, kept on under pressure to lead close home, stayed on gamely
tracked leaders, led 3 out, challenged last, hung left flat, headed and no extra close home
SONOFVIC was a comfortable course and distance winner from Kentford Grey Lady here last month when impressing with the fluency of his fencing on chasing debut. He looks just the sort for Paul Nicholls to go to war with this winter as he was a talented hurdler who looks sure to progress further over the larger obstacles. He can concede the weight to According to Trev who seemingly had his limitations exposed when third to Twirling Magnet at Cheltenham's opening meeting of the season in mid-October. Nevertheless, that was no mean effort and he still rates the main threat. Kasbadali has not shown that much on two chase starts, Ballytober is back from a break and Shockingtimes will find this much tougher than when landing a Southwell chase last month.
Sonofvic (IRE) 13-8 (11-4) Jumped well, tracked leader, left in lead 2nd, in command before 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Exeter 3m beg chs (4) gs in Oct beating Kentford Grey Lady (10-11) by 12l, 3 ran.
According To Trev (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, not fluent 1st, reminder after 5th, headway from 4 out, stayed on flat, unable to trouble leading pair, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Twirling Magnet (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Oct.
Kasbadali (FR) 33-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leader next, led after last, soon strongly challenged, headed and no extra final strides, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Araldur (10-11) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Ballytober 33-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, no extra before last, 12th of 22, 36l behind Trackmate (11-1) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Shockingtimes (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Held up, slightly hampered by loose horse horse 4th, hit 9th, headway on inside to chase leaders 12th, led 13th, clear before 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Southwell 3m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Oct beating Moorland Sunset (11-12) by 13l, 7 ran.
