tracked leaders in 4th, mistakes, lost place from 9th, tailed off from 5 out
tracked leader, led approaching 4 out, jumped right next, ridden after 2 out, about 5 lengths up when blundered badly last, driven out
in rear, pushed along after 8th, weakened 9th, tailed off 5 out, pulled up before next
tracked leaders in 3rd, led before 4 out, soon headed, ridden before next, kept on, one pace
led, ridden and headed before 4 out, hit 2 out when weakeneing
Fredo has shown plenty of promise in finishing second in all three starts over fences and it won't be long before he's winning. Sibenek and Smuglin both opened their accounts last time with the former winning nicely at Carlisle but ALVARADO had three subsequent winners behind when scoring at the same track back in October. A useful hurdler, he has taken well to the larger obstacles and can follow up for his in-from yard. Alfie Flits also got off the mark on his chasing bow over 2m1f at Kelso and he won't be far away if staying this longer trip.
Alfie Flits 11-8fav (11-0) In touch, weakened over 5f out, 5th of 10, 44l behind Den of Iniquity (11-0) at Southwell 2m Nat Hunt Flat (5yo+) (AWT) (4) std in Dec.
Alvarado (IRE) 3-1fav (11-4) Tracked leaders and keen, challenged when not fluent 3 out, led next, driven out flat, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Oct beating Flying Doctor (11-4) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Sibenek (IRE) 15-2 (11-5) Held up in touch, challenged 3 out, led soon after, jumped left 2 out, hung right flat, driven out, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov beating Et Maintenant (11-7) by 2l, 8 ran.
Fredo (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) In touch, tracked winner 5th, not fluent and lost place 5 out, soon outpaced, stayed on under pressure to regain 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Hidden Keel (11-0) at Leicester 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd.
Smuglin 85-40fav (10-9) Treacked leaders, took keen hold, led 3 out, driven out, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Hollo Ladies (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
