Qawamees was a maiden on the Flat but there was plenty of promise in his third to Lisheen Castle on his hurdling debut here. He should improve on that and looks a threat to all but JP McManus paid €190,000 for PAGERO in November and will be looking to recoup some of that outlay. The Nathaniel gelding was a dual winner in France last year, where he was thought good enough to run in Listed company. Lady Camelot is having a first run for Philip Kirby and looks a little exposed, though should find a small race before the season is out. River Glades may prove best of the rest.
Ace Ventura 9-2 (9-1) Pushed along and struggling over 3f out, always towards rear, never involved, 7th of 12, 7 3/4l behind Thistimenextyear (9-6) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Highland Bobby 66-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, took keen hold, hit 5th, headway into 4th 2 out, mistake last, one pace, 4th of 10, 12 3/4l behind Fabianski (10-11) at Catterick 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Pagero (FR) (9-2) 5th of 8, 7 1/4l behind Mr Satchmo (9-5) at Chantilly 1m 2f lst stks sft in Nov.
Qawamees (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, every chance from 2 out, kept on same pace after last, 3rd of 7, 3 1/4l behind Lisheen Castle (11-0) at Wetherby 2m mdn (5) gs in Jan.
River Glades 14-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway under pressure over 2f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 6, 5 1/2l behind Loud And Clear (9-10) at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Thunder Boy (FR) (9-1) 5th of 13, 10 1/4l behind Lakeside (8-11) at Nort-Sur-Erdre 1m 1f gd in Oct.
Lady Camelot (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Towards rear, mistake and unseated rider 2nd, at Limerick 2m mdn Soft - Heavy in Dec.
