chased leaders, headway to go 2nd 5th, under pressure 3 out, no impression from 2 out
mid-division, mistake 3rd, reminders halfway, pushed along 4 out, chased winner 3 out, one pace from 2 out, no impression
mid-division, hit 5th, outpaced when ridden approaching 4 out, one pace from 3 out
led, headed 4th, reminders 6th, behind when pulled up before 3 out
in rear and took keen hold, mistake 4th, soon ridden 6th, behind when weakened and pulled up before 3 out
led 4th, quickened and drew clear 4 out, 6L clear approaching 3 out, readily
mid-division, soon in rear, ridden halfway, some headway 7th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 3 out
Garruth (IRE) Tough, consistent novice who battled hard to beat Gola Cher at Cheltenham in December, and has won again since. Revised terms mean he may struggle to confirm the form, but he won't go down without a fight.
Gola Cher (IRE) Only defeat came when going down narrowly to Garruth, where his stamina may just have run out. Bounced back with a good win at Sandown (holds Historic) and looks the one they all have to beat here.
Freetown (IRE) Progressive stayer, whose winning run came to an end in a valuable handicap over course and distance recently. Closely matched with Garruth on a couple of lines of form and seems sure to be thereabouts.
Maori Wisdom Emphatic winner of an ordinary event at Uttoxeter at the beginning of the month, but he will have to find considerable improvement to beat some of these.
My Baton Steps up significantly in trip here, but hard to make a case for him on what he has shown to date.
Historic (IRE) Held by Gola Cher on Sandown form, but that was only his second attempt over hurdles and he was lightly raced on the flat with Willie Haggas so could easily improve and play a major part in the finish here.
Nokimover Well beaten at Sedgefield last time and this looks a lot harder.
Surprising Good bumper form and excellent second in a hot race on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter. This race is every bit as tough, but Philip Hobbs' gelding could well improve and is an interesting dark horse.
