tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 3 out, headed before next, not fluent and no impression last
held up in rear, headway 3 out, weakened before next
led, not fluent 5th, headed 3 out, soon beaten
in touch in mid-division, closed before 6th, weakened and pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader until 4th, outpaced 6th, went modest 4th before 2 out until after last
mid-division, took keen hold, headway 6th, went 2nd after 3 out, led before next, clear last, eased close home
held up towards rear, not fluent 3 out, soon closed, outpaced before 2 out, went 3rd after last, no impression
Question marks against most but AFTER HOURS is an exception after revealing great tenacity to score after looking beaten at Haydock in December when also confirming his ability to operate in heavy conditions. A 10lb rise is harsh but the third that day won at Sedgefield on Sunday and the form looks solid against some inconsistent types. Heath Hunter is useful but was badly out of form last time and stablemate Master Red has been absent for 444 days. Sea Wall is presumably here because of two falls over fences, War Singer's best has arrived on better ground and De Faoithesdream is another coming back from chasing. Lochnagar was tailed off last month on a first run since late 2014 but is off a good mark at his best and could be the main danger receiving weight all round with that run behind him.
Heath Hunter (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, mistake and headed next, soon weakened, last of 10, dist behind Mr Fitzroy (10-1) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
War Singer (USA) 14-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear but in touch, headway 3 out, ridden to challenge next, no extra flat, 3rd of 10, 9 3/4l behind Mr Fitzroy (10-1) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
De Faoithesdream (IRE) 7-2jfav (12-3) Led, mistake 2nd, headed bypassing omitted 3 out, ridden and weakened after 2 out, 9th of 10, dist behind Vision Des Champs (11-0) at Sandown 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Master Red (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Tracking leaders when fell 4 out, at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
After Hours (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Always prominent, led 3 out, headed approaching last, rallied closing stages, ran on to lead again post, won at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Baratineur (11-5) by shd, 11 ran.
Sea Wall (FR) 7-2 (10-9) Held up in rear, not fluent 3rd or 4th, mistake and unseated rider 5th, at Taunton 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Lochnagar (GER) 33-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, jumped right and lost place 3rd, soon behind, last of 11, dist behind Rayvin Black (10-13) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
