led, headed when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
chased leader, not fluent 3rd, led before 3 out, shaken up and went clear before last, readily
held up, closed when hit 6th, not fluent 8th, went 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner after 2 out, drifted right last
held up, not fluent 5th, pecked 8th, no impression after 4 out, mistake 3 out, went 3rd before 2 out
SHISHKIN was a star among the novice hurdle ranks last season and looks like being just as much of a money-earner over fences judged on his debut victory over slightly further here last month when he barely touched a twig. Gumball may well have won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month had he not fallen two out - he will likely try and make all again. Tamaroc Du Mathan and Elusive Belle were both winners in handicap company last time but would need a massive leap forward to match strides with the other pair.
Gumball (FR) 6-1 (11-2) Led, 2 lengths up when fell 2 out, at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
Shishkin (IRE) 1-6fav (11-2) Jumped well, tracked leader, led briefly 1st, led again next, clear from 5th, stayed on strongly, impressive, won at Kempton 2m 2f (4) gd in Nov beating Mick Pastor (10-9) by 23l, 4 ran.
Tamaroc Du Mathan (FR) 5-4fav (11-5) Prominent, left close up 6th, led 4 out, pulled clear travelling strongly before 2 out, pushed out from last, cosily, won at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov beating Golden Taipan (11-4) by 3 3/4l, 9 ran.
Elusive Belle (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Jumped well, mid-division, moved up to challenge 2 out, led last, ridden and went clear flat, won at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov beating Eritage (11-7) by 4l, 8 ran.
