tracked leaders, ridden and went 2nd 2 out, 3 1/2 lengths down when fell last
made all, tended to edge left from before 2 out, 3 1/2 lengths ahead when left well clear last, ridden out
held up in 4th, closed after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon one pace and beaten, left 2nd last
several slow jumps, in rear, lost touch 3 out, pulled up
tracked leader until mistake 2 out, soon one pace and beaten, left 3rd when slightly hampered last
French import Fingertips is one of many strong rides on the day for Daryl Jacob and put a disappointing Cheltenham run behind him when scoring sweetly over course and distance in December. He has obvious follow-up claims but SEVEN KINGDOMS (NAP) impressed with the manner of his winning Kempton debut and the French import is taken as a value alternative and maintain his unbeaten record over timber. Searching will need to progress from a satisfactory debut to trouble these but multiple Flat winner, Akavit, could be dangerous on the back of a convincing Wetherby success on his second outing over hurdles.
Fingertips (FR) 5-2 (11-8) Made all, left clear 3rd to 5th, pressed 2 out, ridden clear flat, kept on well, won at Sandown 2m (3) sft in Dec beating Polarisation (10-12) by 3 3/4l, 4 ran.
Akavit (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Made all, clear before 3 out, ridden before last, kept on well, won at Wetherby 2m mdn (5) hvy in Nov beating Cosmic Statesman (10-12) by 6l, 16 ran.
Seven Kingdoms (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped left 1st, jumped right 3rd, smooth progress to lead before 2nd last, drew clear last, very easily, won at Kempton 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Golden Gate Bridge (10-12) by 17l, 5 ran.
Austin Friars 18-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along before 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Wetherby 2m mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
Searching (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Chased leaders, every chance 2 out, one pace and no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Harley Rebel (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) hvy in Dec.
