held up in 4th, jumped left, improved to go 2nd 2 out, shaken up to challenge last, soon led, readily
tracked leader, hit 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon 3rd and beaten
held up in close 3rd, took keen hold, not fluent 5th, blundered 3 out, weakened 2 out, mistake last, tailed off
led, not fluent 3rd, hit 2 out, ridden when blundered last, soon headed, stayed on, no impression on winner
BINOCULAR is impossible to oppose as he looks to complete preparation for the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham next month. Nicky Henderson's star looked back to his best when winning the delayed Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last month and should have far too much class for his three rivals here, especially as stable companion Ruthenoise is likely to ensure a decent gallop. With Siberian Tiger having been rested after a short campaign on the Flat last year, Dorabelle may be best of the rest having won three of her four starts over timber though this is a big step up from a novice event at Sedgefield.
Binocular (FR) 13-8fav (11-7) Tracked leader, challenged after 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Kempton 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Jan beating Overturn (11-7) by 4l, 6 ran.
Siberian Tiger (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Keen, held up, pushed along 5th, no impression when left 3rd 2 out, went modest 2nd just before last, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Ashkazar (11-8) at Sandown 2m Lstd hdl (1) gd in Apr.
Dorabelle (IRE) 6-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd, narrow lead after 2 out, ridden and pressed after last, held on towards finish, driven out, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f cond mrs nov hdl (4yo+) (4) sft in Nov beating Boragh Princess (11-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Ruthenoise (FR) 33-1 (11-7) Took keen hold, chased leader, led before 5th, wandered under pressure and headed between last 2, chased winner, no impression when weakened and lost 3 places close home, 5th of 14, 3l behind Marleno (10-12) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
