held up tracking leaders, headway to 2nd 13th, closed from last, stayed on to lead final 100 yards
tracked leader until 9th, ridden and outpaced 13th, rallied to modest 3rd before and hit last
tracked leading pair, went 2nd 9th until 13th, ridden after 3 out, weakened next, lost modest 3rd before last
led, clear approaching 2 out, went left last, hung left flat, no extra and headed final 100 yards
There may only be four runners in this novice chase but it still looks a competitive contest. Soir D'Estruval should improve for his first run over fences at Folkestone and gets 7lb from the two previous winners in the race. Larks Lad carries the extra courtesy of a walkover at Southwell but didn't jump very well when beaten at Fakenham next time and unseated David Bass at Market Rasen subsequently. He still has something to learn about jumping fences and may not be able to keep tabs on BAILE ANRAI, who won easily at Towcester on Boxing Day having fallen in a hot race on his chasing bow at Wincanton. Ian Williams' eight-year-old should have more to offer but Valid Point is probably best watched on his first start over the larger obstacles.
Baile Anrai (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) With leader, led from 6th, jumped left 9th, clear before 4 out, easily, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (5) gs in Dec beating Carabinier (10-11) by 16l, 6 ran.
Larks Lad (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, mistake 7th, not fluent 9th, driven to challenge 3 out, under pressure when blundered and unseated rider next, in a race won by No Principles (11-8) at Market Rasen 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Soir D'estruval (FR) 9-4 (11-1) Held up in touch in rear, not fluent 3rd, headway 14th, challenged 3 out, no impression on winner before 2 out, hit last, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Emmaslegend (10-3) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Valid Point (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Mid-division, outpaced after 3 out, weakened before next, 13th of 19, well behind Poungach (11-4) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec.
