made all, pushed along before 3 out, pressed from 2 out to last, regained clear lead on run-in
midfield, headway to track leaders 3 out, outpaced before last, no impression run-in
tracked leaders, pressed leader from 2 out to last where made mistake, no extra run-in and lost two places inside final 110 yards
prominent, pushed along before 3 out, lost position 3 out, ran on strongly after last, went second inside final 110 yards
midfield, headway after 3 out, kept on well after last, went third final strides
held up, blunder 3 out, ridden 2 out, never dangerous
held up, never travelling and lost touch before 3 out
Sextant, a Listed winner on the Flat, made his hurdling debut at Carlisle in December and easily landed the odds. There should be plenty more to come but he is up against some smart novices here. THIRD TIME LUCKI’s only defeat so far over timber came in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham when the winner was allowed an easy lead. He is the one to beat today ahead of the fast-improving Tommy's Oscar and Bareback Jack, who defends an unbeaten record and easily beat Democratic Oath here two runs ago. Belfast Banter is consistent and Fair Star has won a bumper and been successful twice on the Flat so has plenty of ability.
Bareback Jack (IRE) 4-9fav (11-8) Prominent early, led at 4th, disputed lead 3 out, pulled clear after slick jump 2 out, drew further clear at last, impressive, won at Catterick 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Tonyx (10-9) by 9l, 9 ran.
Belfast Banter (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway on inside before 2 out, stayed on into never nearer 4th between last 2, weakened into 5th towards finish, 5th of 17, 7l behind Not So Sleepy (11-6) at Ascot 2m hcp (1) hvy in Dec.
Third Time Lucki (IRE) 11-10fav (11-8) Tracked leaders on inside, eased out travelling well before 2 out, led 2 out, clear when shaken up between last 2, kept on strongly, won at Kempton 2m (2) gs in Dec beating Flic Ou Voyou (11-8) by 9l, 6 ran.
Tommy's Oscar (IRE) 13-8fav (11-6) Chased leader, upsides 2 out, led and left clear last, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Gemologist (10-0) by 10l, 8 ran.
Sextant 10-11fav (10-12) Held up in rear, niggled along and headway before 2 out, always going well, led before last, ran on flat, easily, won at Carlisle 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec beating Jayaaah (10-12) by 6l, 7 ran.
Democratic Oath (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 3 out until before next, outpaced between last 2, plugged on into 3rd run-in, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 13, 12 1/2l behind Bareback Jack (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m (4) gd in Nov.
Scots Sonnet 3-1fav (9-7) Just better than mid-division, pushed along before 2f out, kept on well to lead inside final furlong, just denied closing stages, 2nd of 14, nk behind Man Of Verve (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Sep.
Fair Star (IRE) 11-10fav (10-0) In touch in mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, switched right over 2f out, headway over 1f out, edged left and went 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on, not able to get to winner, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Lord Of The Alps (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
