prominent, not fluent 4th, mistake 3 out, weakened rapidly before next, tailed off when pulled up before last
not always fluent, always behind, tailed off
held up and behind, pushed along and headway after 3 out, styg on same pace and beaten before next
held up, ridden and weakened quickly after 3 out
keen hold, held up in mid-division, mistake 6th, weakened rapidly approaching 2 out
keen hold in mid-division, weakened after 3 out
keen hold, mostly tracked leader, challenged and going well when not fluent 2 out, one-paced and beaten before last
behind, mistake 4th, styg on same pace in 6th and beaten when mistake 2 out, tailed off
in mid-division, weakened 3 out, tailed off
held up in rear, headway and in touch when mistake 3 out, challenged and led soon after 2 out, not quicken and headed final 150 yards
set steady pace, ridden and headed 2 out, 3rd and beaten when mistake last, lost 3rd flat
always prominent, challenged going well and narrow lead when mistake 2 out, rallied approaching last, led final 150 yards, stayed on well
always behind, tailed off
In what will be a tough race, Jollie Bollie gets our tentative nod. This eight-year-old has progressed well in handicap company this season, most recently winning a Class B event at Wincanton. His stablemates have been in good form and he can win, especially with his jockey claiming 5lb off his back. Valerio also earns respect. Nicky Henderson has been enjoying a purple patch with his runners recently and this seven-year-old should continue that form. He ran well over hurdles last season at Sandown and won well in a tough race at Newbury in November. He had to be pulled up last time out after the heavy ground at Ascot took its toll, but that can be excused and he's a real danger to Jollie Bollie. Ballylusky is capable of running into the first three. He has improved since joining Jonjo O'Neill, and after winning two of his first three starts over hurdles for his new team, was placed twice at Cheltenham. He carries just 10st 9lb, which could be a real advantage on snowy ground. Chopneyev will be chasing a quick hat-trick after winning at Ayr and Uttoxeter; he ran in last season's 4YO Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. Carlovent and Surprising can never be ruled out of the equation: the latter looks to be running into some good form. The eye-catcher for each-way value, though, would have to be Ideal Du Bois Beury. He is sent back over hurdles after struggling to get his head in front over fences. This seven-year-old was a solid hurdler and this could be just the ticket to boosting his confidence.
