close up, ridden 3 out, every chance approaching last, driven and stayed on to take 2nd towards finish
held up in rear, not far away, not fluent 7th, improved to press leaders from 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to lead towards finish
held up in rear, lost touch 7th, behind and pulled up before next
led, ridden and headed narrowly 2 out, weakened flat
tracked leader, ridden and every chance from 3 out, led narrowly next, driven and headed and lost two places towards finish
Only five runners go to post for this beginners' chase and VODKA BROOK is nominated to get the better of Bakbenscher and Aux Le Bahnn. The selection registered his sole success over hurdles at this venue and he looks a good bet to open his account over the bigger obstacles here. He went well on his seasonal return when he just ran out of steam. He jumped well that day considering it was his chasing bow and with the promise of more to come he should be hard to beat. Bakbenscher is the obvious alternative as he travelled well here on his chasing debut. He did make a few mistakes that day though and he will need to learn from the experience if he is trouble the judge. Aux Le Bahnn was a smart hurdler and he has got winning form in the Irish point-to-point sphere so he has to be considered, although his absence from the track since January means that his race fitness has to be taken on trust. Our Bob has shown some fair form over hurdles in Ireland but he is another with an absence to overcome on his chasing debut, and we will stick with Vodka Brook as our choice to land the prize.
Aux Le Bahnn (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Held up in mid-division, smooth headway from 8th, chased leaders next, led 2 out, in command before last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Bally Sands (10-5) by 2 3/4l, 14 ran.
Bakbenscher 2-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, never jumped well, left in 2nd 5 out, blundered next, never able to challenge, 2nd of 3, 8l behind Red Admiral (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) gs in Nov.
High Bray (GER) 66-1 (9-7) Held up, blundered badly and unseated rider 10th, in a race won by Sir Winston (10-13) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp 0-100 (4) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Our Bob (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Towards rear, no impression straight, ridden to go moderate 4th last, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 10l behind Forpadydeplasterer (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 2f nov hdl G2 gs in Feb '08.
Vodka Brook (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Tracked leader, led 5th, stumbled on landing 9th, headed 12th, regained lead next, ridden and headed when not fluent last, no extra flat, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Pocket Aces (11-1) at Folkestone 2m 5f nov ch 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
