led, ridden between last two, narrowly headed approaching last, kept on and every chance run-in, no extra and held in closing stages
tracked leading trio, 2nd after 4 out, hit 3 out, ridden and lost 2nd before 2 out, hit 2 out, weakened and lost two places before last
chased leading pair, hit 5th, weakened before 3 out
last pair, went modest 4th before last
took keen hold, tracked leader until after 4 out, 2nd again going well before 2 out, led approaching last, kept on gamely run-in to assert near finish
held up in touch, outpaced before 3 out, plugged on again into well held 3rd before last
held up in rear, never on terms
Winter Lion looked a useful recruit when making all in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month, though the runner-up has let the form down since. Matt Smith's charge won twice on the Flat, the same as INNOCENT TOUCH, but Richard Fahey's hurdling debutant had the higher rating and receives 7lb here; he will be hard to beat if his jumping holds up. Sacred Square has had numerous chances and isn't getting any nearer but Huntingdon third Bold Henmie may be improving and could grab a place again.
Winter Lion (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Led, went on after 6th, reduced lead from before 2 out, pushed along and pressed approaching straight, soon joined, led again from last, stayed on best, won at Punchestown 2m mdn gd in Oct beating Supreme Vinnie (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Bold Henmie (IRE) 250-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 2nd from 2nd, every chance 2 out, one pace flat, 3rd of 13, 6 1/2l behind Great Hall (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Buckled 16-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, mistake 2nd, not fluent 4th, struggling next, tailed off before 2 out, last of 10, dist behind Wind Of Hope (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in May.
Devon River (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Mid-division, lost place 3 out, soon behind, 7th of 10, 31 1/4l behind Adrakhan (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Innocent Touch (IRE) 3-1fav (9-10) Mid-division, outpaced over 4f out, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 8th of 15, 2 3/4l behind Hardstone (10-0) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Sacred Square (GER) 3-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, went 3rd from last, kept on, 3rd of 9, 12 1/4l behind Quick Brew (11-0) at Hexham 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Toarmandowithlove (IRE) 100-1 (10-10) Chased leader, weakened from 2 out, pulled up before last, at Hexham 2m (4) gs in Oct.
