jumped left, chased clear leader, closed 9th, led before 4 out, slight lead but pressed when went left and stumbled 3 out, driven and headed between last 2, hit last, flattered by proximity to unextended winner
tracked leading pair, closed travelling well 5 out, went 2nd before next, challenged 3 out, led on bit between last 2, hit last, unextended
led, set strong pace and clear 3rd, mistake 6th, reduced lead 9th, headed before 4 out, soon 3rd and no chance with leading duo, weakened to 4th soon after 2 out, tailed off
held up 4th, mistake 4th, blundered 8th, went modest 3rd after 2 out
TAQUIN DU SEUIL could complete a quick double for Jonjo O'Neill and AP McCoy as he was a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December, and is bred to jump fences. Bob Ford has won between the flags and over hurdles so may be another novice worth watching this winter while Westward Point won over further on heavy going last season over hurdles. Zarzal was third on his chasing bow at Newton Abbot but could be up against some nice prospects in this.
Bob Ford (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, led, clear after 2nd until 4th, ridden and headed approaching last, soon beaten, went 3rd just after last, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Whisper (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Taquin Du Seuil (FR) 6-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd briefly 2 out, ridden and no impression before last, weakened flat, 6th of 8, 18l behind The New One (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Westward Point 15-8 (11-5) Led, soon clear until 6th, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, well behind Whisky Yankee (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Zarzal (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Held up, not fuent 4th, in touch from next, went 3rd 3 out, one pace and no impression next, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Ivor's King (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m nov chs (4) gs in Sep.
