tracked leaders in 3rd and in rear, blundered 1st, chased leader from 10th, ridden to lead last, kept on well, ridden out
led to 2nd, hit 4th, led again 6th, blundered next, mistake 8th, hit 9th, ridden and headed last, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 2nd, headed 6th, outpaced 10th and dropped to rear, ridden before 3 out, every chance last, kept on same pace, held by winner
As De Fer is progressing well over fences having won both starts to date. A winner at Ffos Las in January, he beat a subsequent winner at Exeter last time and looks sure to make another bold bid here. However, ALVARADO makes more appeal. Twice a winner over hurdles at this track in 2009, he won over these fences on his chasing debut in October, and produced a better effort still when following up at Wetherby. Howard Johnson's charge is taken to continue his winning ways here. Pennek improved when runner-up on his latest start but he has plenty to find with today's opponents.
Alvarado (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, led approaching 4 out, jumped right next, ridden after 2 out, about 5 lengths up when blundered badly last, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Jan beating Fredo (10-9) by 3l, 5 ran.
As De Fer (FR) 6-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, led approaching 4 out, soon strongly challenged, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Feb beating Requin (11-2) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Pennek (FR) 11-2 (11-0) Led, headed before 4th, chased winner before 3 out, kept on, always held, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Wolf Moon (11-0) at Catterick 3m 1f beg chase (4) gs in Feb.
