SHADY LANE (NAP) has failed to complete in two of her previous four starts over fences but she also went close at Towcester in May and showed she was in good heart with a victory over hurdles at Fakenham before Christmas. She gets 17lb from Newcastle winner Pamak D'Airy and that should be enough for her to open her account over the larger obstacles. Faustina Pius is still a maiden over fences after nine tries but should be in the frame again and makes more appeal than Hopeand and Bobbits Way.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 7-2 (10-9) Tracked leader, led 5 out, pressed and headed narrowly last, soon regained lead, kept on well towards finish, won at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft beating Trust Thomas (11-8) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Hopeand 33-1 (11-0) In touch, slow 9th, never on terms, 5th of 7, 31l behind Bernardelli (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft.
Faustina Pius (IRE) 7-1 (10-3) Tracked leader, driven before 3 out, soon ridden, outpaced by front pair when not fluent 2 out, kept on when hard pressed for 3rd flat, no impression, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Un Anjou (11-7) at Taunton 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft.
Shady Lane 3-1fav (11-6) Clear with leader until led approaching 4 out, clear when hit 2 out, ridden out, won at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft beating Running Wolf (10-1) by 5l, 8 ran.
Master Wickham (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, went left 2nd, lost place 5 out, behind from next, pulled up when saddle before 2 out, in a race won by Snowell (11-8) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs, 7 ran.
Bobbits Way 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led before 10th, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 27l behind Head Spin (11-10) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp 0-100 (5) sft.
