tracked leaders, cajoled along and jumped left at times, pushed along after 5 out, soon tailed off
led, faced challenge approaching 4 out, headed 3 out, pushed along before next where outjumped and ridden, soon well held by winner, tired run-in
raced in 2nd, jumped well, pressed leader approaching 4 out, led 3 out, good jump 2 out and drew well clear, heavily eased run-in, impressive
Alaphilippe has won three times over hurdles and was second at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022. He was a fair third at Carlisle on his chasing bow following a lay-off and may have found a second run at Cheltenham coming too soon. Makin‘yourmindup, a Grade 2 winner over timber last season, was a beaten favourite on his chasing debut at Exeter but will know more today. APPLE AWAY completed a hat-trick over hurdles in the Grade 1 Sefton at Aintree in April. She was up against decent opposition at Aintree on her first run over fences and will take all the beating here.
Alaphilippe (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) In touch, pushed along 4 out, soon outpaced, behind when pulled up 2 out, at Cheltenham 3m lst (1) sft in Nov.
Makin'yourmindup 10-3fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, led 3rd, headed 3 out, well held when lost 2nd at the last, weakened and lost modest 3rd close home, 4th of 9, 6 1/2l behind Wiseguy (11-0) at Exeter 3m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Apple Away (IRE) 2-1 (10-7) Chased leader until 5th, slow 9th, pushed along after 13th, no impression on winner from 4 out, kept on, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Grey Dawning (11-0) at Haydock 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov.
Meetmeatthearch (IRE) 250-1 (11-4) Raced very wide, led, bad mistake 5th, chased leaders, weakened after next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Ascot 2m 3f mdn (3) gd in Nov.
