chased leaders until 4th, not go pace and weakened from 5 out, tailed off
always prominent, went 3rd 8th, ran on well
held up and prominent until led briefly 9th, soon under pressure, one-paced from 2 out
always prominent, pushed along 4th, took closer order 7th, went 2nd 3 out, not pace of winner
held up behind leaders, went prominent 7th, led 3 out, slight mistake 2 out, ran on well, impressive
led until 2nd, stayed prominent 4th, led again 7th, soon weakened, pulled up after 3 out
held up, led 8th until 4th, soon under pressure, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
Native Emperor May have just needed last run; before that he won a run-of-the-mill event here (2m4f,soft/heavy); having to conceed weight doesn't help his chance.
Flying Trix (IRE) Has won his last two races and shown that he stays well; holds Native Emperor on a line through Ballycassidy.
Isful (FR) Improving and stays well; if Brambly Hedge is a good yardstick then he just gets the better of Flying Trix.
Bear On Board (IRE) Scope for improvement but would need to up the level of his form thus far; the conditions shouldn't present any problems.
Hindiana (FR) Another French-bred who came to England knowing his job well; hard to fully assess on the basis of his British hurdling debut win at Musselburgh on Dec 1 (2m4f,good/good to firm).; has won on soft but hasn't raced this far before.
Lord of The Hill (IRE) Unplaced in an Irish bumper on only start to date; unlikely to play a leading part here.
Rio Grande (IRE) Won an Irish bumper on the soft back in Sept '99; unplaced in his only hurdles run; he's by one of the sires of the moment but it's difficult to build a case for him today.
Classic Enigma (IRE) Pulled up on his only start this season, a novices' chase back on Nov 17; can't be fancied.
