PUNCHESTOWNS, winner of the Long Walk Hurdle at this meeting two years ago, lost his unbeaten record over fences when only fifth in last season's RSA Chase at Cheltenham. Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old remains a smart prospect over the larger obstacles however and with fitness unlikely to be an issue, can make a winning reappearance. Pride Of Dulcote was a top-class novice hurdler last year but has been off the track since making a winning start to his chase career in October 2009 and may be best watched here. Fredo has run well in both starts over fences but will find easier opportunities to get off the mark, while Awesome George and surprise Newbury winner Cois Farraig may find themselves outclassed.
Awesome George 33-1 (9-11) Behind, soon pushed along, weakened before 9th, tailed off, pulled up after next, in a race won by Little Josh (10-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Nov, 18 ran.
Cois Farraig 10-1 (11-1) Led until narrowly headed 4th, chased leader until before 7th, left 2nd and slightly hampered 11th, led 12th, driven after 2 out, stayed on well flat, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov beating On Borrowed Wings (11-8) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.
Punchestowns (FR) 2-1fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, went 6th 11th, went 4th before 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 9, 24l behind Weapon's Amnesty (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Pride of Dulcote (FR) 1-3fav (11-0) Led 1st, led approaching 3rd, clear approaching 2 out, easily, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Oct '09 beating Any Currency (11-0) by 6l, 3 ran.
Fredo (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Close up, chased leader 8th, led 11th, joined next, ridden and headed 4 out, chased winner, stayed on flat, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Master Of The Hall (11-1) at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.
