chased leaders until 5th, disputed lead 6th, soon under pressure, one-paced approaching last
handy until 2nd, soon not go pace, weakened from 4 out
always prominent, took closer order 3 out, disputed lead last, one-paced flat
behind, no chance when fell last
led, clear lead 4th, disputed lead 6th, regained lead briefly 7th, soon faded approaching last
chased leaders until lost place approaching 2 out, one-paced from last
handy until 3rd, blundered 4th, lost place and not recover
always mid-division, effort from 3 out, one-paced from 2 out
always handy, effort from 3 out, ran on from last
always prominent, headway to join leaders 2 out, disputed lead at last, led and ran on well flat
always behind, no chance when pulled up 2 out
prominent until halfway, joined leaders 3 out, effort and no response 2 out, soon weakened
Dhaudeloup (FR) Talented sort who likes to front run. Won well at Doncaster in December, but quickly capitulated at Cheltenham last time. Should be much better suited to this course.
Premier Generation (IRE) Interesting return to hurdles after doing little wrong over fences. Fairly handicapped at best, but looks like the stable's second string.
Fondmort (FR) Ex-French horse making handicap debut here. Form of course and distance win over Christmas reads well, and might be better on thism ground. Definite chance.
Kassala (FR) First run since joining Alan King from France, so very hard to assess whether he's on a good mark or not, but probably best watched this time.
Pietro Bembo (IRE) Front-runner who won this race last year, and is now lower in the weights. Not in great form, and a somewhat frustrating character, but wouldn't rule out a bold bid.
Xaipete (IRE) Sedgefield specialist who is in fair form, but may struggle in thi scompany.
Final Settlement (IRE) Course and distance winner who is very unexposed over timber. Coming back from lengthy absence but decent chance if fit enough.
Mite Equal Reasonably treated on latest effort when second at Wincanton, but not won for a while and likely to find a few of these too good.
Ulundi Fair sort on the flat and over hurdles, and has an entry in the Champion Hurdle next month. Could be on a very nice mark, but again doubts about how fit he will be.
Whistling Dixie (IRE) Only been beaten once in four starts over hurdles, and progressing very nicely. Trainer doesn't send many horses down here, and certainly one for the shortlist.
Rudi Knight Boasts some decent form on his card but doesn't win as many as perhaps he should, and seems a hard ride.
Moon Glow (IRE) Lightly race and plenty of promise in four starts for Sally Hall. First start for new yard and may just need this, though.
Elvis Not raced for well over a year and although he won his last two starts this is a much harder race.
