made all, clear before last, readily
tracked winner, ridden and no impression from after 2 out
in rear and in touch, weakened before last
Niven won over hurdles for Noel Meade and made a successful debut for new connections over fences at Hexham. The ground was heavy that day but his victory in Ireland was on good going. Reverant Cust made a wining start over fences on good going at Catterick and has found the ground too soft in subsequent starts. COOL MIX, a dual hurdles winner, has been narrowly beaten in two starts over fences here and with the ground and weights in his favour he can go one better.
Niven (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in last pair, closer at 6th, 3rd 3 out, soon pushed along, left in 2nd at the last, one pace run-in, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Dell Oro (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Reverant Cust (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Held up in rear, closed from 9th, left 3rd 3 out, weakened next, 3rd of 5, 16 1/2l behind Hawk High (11-6) at Newcastle 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Cool Mix 1-2fav (11-0) Chased leader, not always fluent, mistake 6th, led before 4 out, ridden after 3 out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Hawk High (11-6) at Newcastle 2m (4) gs in Jan.
