held up towards rear, outpaced after 4 out, no impression
took keen hold, tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd 7th until ridden 3 out, one pace
led, mistake 4 out, headed narrowly 3 out, led after next, clear flat, comfortably
tracked winner until 7th, lost place after next, pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, headway before 4 out, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, closed 4 out, switched left after 3 out, weakened next
raced wide, held up towards rear, headway approaching 7th, led narrowly 3 out, headed after 2 out, no impression on winner flat
in rear, not always fluent, struggling 4 out, well behind when jumped right 3 out and 2 out
North Star Oscar makes a quick reappearance after winning over further at Huntingdon on Saturday. She escapes a penalty so a fourth hurdles victory is a distinct possibility if she’s fully recovered. Wilde Spirit was only beaten half-a-length over course and distance 11 days ago but is 4lb higher now. There’s a good chance that this step up in trip will suit MANOR PARK, who remains relatively unexposed and is probably on a fair mark. She gets a tentative vote as Iconic Hero looks a tricky customer and Finula has left Dan Skelton since landing a gamble in the spring. Voodoo Doll looks out of sorts at present.
Voodoo Doll (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up behind, headway after 3 out (usual 4 out), driven to chase leaders after 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, never on terms, 5th of 16, 11 3/4l behind Duc De Beauchene (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Finula (IRE) 10-11fav (11-3) Held up towards rear, smooth headway on outside soon after 4 out, chased leaders approaching next, 2nd on long run after 3 out, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, saddle slipped, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May beating Caro Des Flos (11-11) by 10l, 10 ran.
Chirico Vallis (FR) 33-1 (11-7) Took keen hold, held up in rear, not much room 1st, not fluent 3rd or 4th, some late gains, no impression, 6th of 12, 10l behind Back On The Lash (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Wilde Spirit (IRE) 4-1jfav (10-9) Mid-division, headway 5th, challenged 3 out, soon led, headed flat, held close home, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Bhutan (11-9) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Iconic Hero (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Chased leader, led after 5th to 3 out, jumped left and weakened last, 4th of 12, 6l behind Masters Apprentice (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) sft in Oct.
Manor Park 8-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, jumped right and not fluent 6th, headway before 3 out, outpaced after 2 out, plugged on last, went 4th flat, 4th of 11, 14 1/2l behind The Accountant (11-11) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
North Star Oscar (IRE) 3-1fav (11-11) Held up in rear on outside, closed 4 out, challenged after 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on well, won at Huntingdon 3m 1f hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Stonebrigg Legend (10-0) by 3 3/4l, 9 ran.
Galactic Power (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, never dangerous, 10th of 18, 36 1/2l behind Those Tiger Feet (11-9) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Nov.
