detached in 3rd most of way, never any chance with front pair, tailed off
always 4th and last, tailed off from 4 out
made all, drew clear on bit after 3 out, unchallenged
tracked winner throughout, not fluent 5 out, outpaced 3 out, no chance with easy winner in clear 2nd after
BRISTOL DE MAI (NAP) did absolutely nothing wrong when keeping Sunday's Cheltenham winner Garde La Victoire company for a long way on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter. He actually seemed to be travelling better for much of the trip before tiring and looks a nice prospect for chasing. Nigel Twiston Davies' four year old beat Karezak in the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle at Chepstow last winter and can confirm that form with his old rival, who tackles fences for the first time. Murrayana can build on his second to Arzal at Ludlow but a longer trip might suit Sleepy Haven over fences.
Murrayana (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, went left and badly at times, awkward 1st, struggling to keep up 3rd, closed 4 out, went 2nd next, no chance with winner, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Arzal (11-8) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Sleepy Haven (IRE) 22-1 (11-7) In rear, stayed on from 2 out, went 4th after last, never in contention, 4th of 9, 25l behind Raven's Tower (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Bristol De Mai (FR) 15-8fav (10-7) Took keen hold, pressed leader, led 8th, headed before 2 out, beaten when not fluent last, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Garde La Victoire (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Oct.
Karezak (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, led after 2 out, ridden run-in, headed narrowly last 75 yards, just held near finish, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Devilment (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
