in rear, in touch, weakened from 11th, blundered next, pulled up before 5 out
tracked winner, reminders after 5 out, soon pushed along, one pace and no impression from 4 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along 11th, weakened before 3 out
in touch in 4th, not fluent and jumped left 3rd, soon in rear, ridden and weakened before 3 out
made all, ridden before 2 out, soon clear, eased flat
Soprano won over hurdles at Kelso early last month and may have the found a run over fences at Carlisle two days later coming too soon. He was a fair second, however, and should be refreshed now after a four-week break. But we still prefer GAVROCHE GAUGAIN, who came right back to his best at Sedgefield last time and should last home over the longer trip on this sharp track. Bob Will has lost his way while Molinero hasn't shown enough lately to warrant consideration and Hurricane Jack has disappointed so far this season.
Gavroche Gaugain (FR) 11-2 (10-7) Tracked leader, ridden to lead before last, stayed on towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Nov beating Night In Milan (11-11) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Soprano (GER) 7-2fav (11-7) In rear, hit 14th, headway to chase leaders next, ridden when hit 3 out and 2 out, rallied last, soon went 2nd, kept on, 2nd of 12, 10l behind Do It For Dalkey (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.
Bob Will (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, 30l behind O Crotaigh (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Nov.
Molinero (IRE) 20-1 (10-6) Towards rear for most, no extra approaching 4 out, 13th of 18, 47l behind Barel Of Laughs (11-9) at Thurles 3m hcp chs 0-109 gd in Oct.
Hurricane Jack 4-1 (11-10) Tracked winner until approaching 6 out, weakened after 5 out, 5th of 11, well behind Wide Receiver (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 6f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Oct.
