not fluent 1st in rear, in touch, left chasing leader 2nd, not fluent on occasions, pushed along after 3 out, ridden before last, kept on but never got on terms with winner
tracked leader on outside, fell 2nd
made all, jumped well, ridden out after last, always holding rival, readily
tracked leaders, badly hampered by faller 2nd and unseated rider
DOYEN BREED had some useful hurdles form last season and showed a willing attitude to get off the mark over fences at the first attempt at Hexham. His experience will stand him in good stead here but he does have to give 11lb to Bushypark, who was a revelation over the smaller obstacles last season, and Torigni, who showed promise when third at Market Rasen. Illegal Model tended to struggle for pace over hurdles so should also make a chaser.
Doyen Breed (IRE) 13-8 (11-0) Held up in touch, chased leader 9th, closed on leader before 3 out, jumped into lead 3 out, ridden before last, joined last, ran on well on run in, won at Hexham 3m (3) gs in Nov beating Emitom (11-0) by hd, 4 ran.
Torigni (FR) 16-5 (11-8) Last pair, not fluent 1st, headway on inside 9th, 3rd 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, no impression on winner, dropped to 3rd last, no extra flat, 3rd of 5, 6 1/2l behind The Edgar Wallace (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Bushypark (IRE) 8-1 (10-8) Led, asked to quicken approaching 3 out, ridden after 2 out, impressive, won at Haydock 3m hcp (2) sft in Feb beating Champagne Platinum (11-12) by 8 1/2l, 12 ran.
Illegal Model (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Led, not fluent 1st, headed 7th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 9, 14 1/4l behind Wilde About Oscar (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
