tracked leaders, mistake 8th, led before 4 out, ridden clear approaching last, easily
led after 1st, headed approaching 4 out, soon weakened
led 1st, remained prominent, mistake and unseated rider 6th
chased leaders, slow 5th, outpaced 4 out, rallied after next, staying on same pace when blundered last
Little Pop opened his account over fences at Hereford at the third time of asking. This sharp track should suit and he'll probably make a bold bid to defy a 6lb higher mark. Play The Ace has been on the go for a while and was beaten last time when unseating his rider at Fontwell but Robert's Star should be winning soon judged on his second at Southwell, though probably over further. Hahnenkam and OLDGRANGEWOOD are both making their debut over fences but the latter has already won a point-to-point and had the speed to win over 2m over hurdles at Ayr earlier in the year – he may be one to follow.
Oldgrangewood 7-4fav (11-7) Towards rear, headway before 3 out, every chance 2 out, ridden after last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 6 1/2l behind Traditional Dancer (11-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Robert's Star (IRE) 11-4fav (11-11) Jumped right, led, headed 10th, every chance 3 out, no extra next, left 2nd last, 2nd of 8, 14l behind Ballyrock (11-11) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Little Pop 3-1fav (11-9) Tracked leader, left in lead 4th, clear before last, kept on well, won at Hereford 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Accessallareas (10-3) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Hahnenkam (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Held up behind, headway on outside 3 out, chased front pair after next, driven and stayed on to chase winner from last, always held, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Thomas Blossom (11-6) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Play The Ace (IRE) 15-8fav (11-8) Led until 3rd, chased winner until not fluent 4 out, 5 lengths 3rd when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
