GANDALFE disappointed when sent off favourite but finding Lough Coi too good at Lingfield last month. However, the latter has given the form a more respectable look by winning again and David Arbuthnot's charge gets a chance to make amends. Last Shot was also a losing favourite at Ludlow last time but has claims on his earlier second at the same track but Hoare Abbey was still beaten a distance despite finishing runner-up at Catterick on his latest start. Henok may improve taking on fences for the first time and makes most appeal of the remainder.
Ballyboker Boy (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, weakened after 7th, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by The Bear Trap (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Gandalfe (FR) 7-4fav (11-0) Led, narrowly headed 7th, led again next, ridden and joined when hit 2 out, headed and carried left after last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Lough Coi (10-7) at Lingfield 2m mdn chs (5) hvy in Jan.
Henok (FR) 9-2 (11-11) Held up in rear, headway from 2 out, never nearer, 5th of 9, 4l behind Thunderstorm (11-9) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.
Hoare Abbey (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Tracked winner throughout, no impression from 3 out, 2nd of 5, 22l behind Brave Spartacus (11-9) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
Last Shot (FR) 11-4fav (10-11) Chased leaders, went 3rd after 12th, ridden before next, lost 3rd before 2 out, soon beaten and lost 4th flat, 5th of 8, 15l behind O'Callaghan Strand (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Jan.
Tarkari (IRE) 9-2 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, went poor 3rd between last 2, blundered last, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 9, 34l behind Not Til Monday (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f cnd/am sll hdl (5) hvy in Dec.
