led, headed after 1st, led 3f out, clear over 1f out, readily
led after 1st, headed 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression with winner from over 1f out
tracked leaders, pecked 5th, disputing 2nd when fell last
held up in rear and in touch, left 3rd from last, ridden 4f out, weakened over 3f out
Kayserberg beat a well-regarded type on his chasing debut here six weeks ago but soft ground would be a real concern. Wakanda has won two of his four starts over the larger obstacles but was well behind Kayserberg here over hurdles in January and he might find this company too hot. The fast-improving Virak would have every chance of completing the hat-trick if turning up but will probably be running at Cheltenham instead and that could leave the way open for KILLALA QUAY to open his account over the larger obstacles. He'll appreciate the longer trip after getting outpaced by Puffin Billy over 2m3f at Ascot last month.
Virak (FR) 11-10fav (11-7) Led to 4th, tracked leader, left in lead 4 out, stayed on well before last, won at Haydock 2m 6f nov chs (2) sft in Nov beating Golden Hoof (11-7) by 19l, 5 ran.
Wakanda (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, led 5th, made rest, clear from 4 out, won at Kelso 2m 7f nov chs (3) sft beating Oscar Rock (10-13) by 10l, 6 ran.
Kaysersberg (FR) 5-4fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led from 4th, made rest, kept on strongly from 2 out, won at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs (4) gd in Nov beating Blakemount (11-3) by 8l, 3 ran.
Killala Quay 9-4fav (11-1) Took keen hold in 3rd, 2nd after 4th until next, chased leading pair, mistake 9th, outpaced 11th, plugged on same pace from 3 out, took modest 2nd at the last, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Puffin Billy (11-1) at Ascot 2m 3f beg chs (3) sft in Nov.
