tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, challenge next, soon edged right, every chance last, driven and no impression flat
took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 1st, mistake and behind from 4th
took keen hold, wandered into some of the hurdles, tracked leader, led after 2nd, headed 4th, 3rd and beaten 3 out, soon weakened
led, very long and hind legs scraped through 2nd, soon headed, led again 4th, joined from 2 out, stayed on well to draw clear flat
held up in 4th, well beaten from 5th
It was disappointing that AVISPA didn't manage to win a race over hurdles last season but Alan King's mare, a Listed winner in bumpers, should put the record straight here unless La Pyle, a winner twice on the Flat in France, proves to be an above-average novice. Smart Talk has won a point-to-point and been placed in a bumper and was far from disgraced when second to Mardale on her hurdles bow at Hexham 11 days ago so should give a good account but it's harder to fancy Tara's Rainbow and Lady Helissio.
Avispa 1-2fav (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, chased leaders next, 2nd on long run before 2 out, ridden and every chance after 2 out, no extra last, 2nd of 13, 6l behind Midnight Jazz (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) sft in Feb.
Lady Helissio 40-1 (11-0) Towards rear when clipped heels and fell after 1f, at Chepstow 2m (6) gs in Mar.
La Pyle (FR) 6-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, pushed along 6f out, ridden over 3f out, soon well beaten, last of 7, 19 3/4l behind Borak (8-8) at Chepstow 1m 4f hcp (4) sft in Sep.
Smart Talk (IRE) 15-2 (10-10) Led after 1st, remained close up, ridden and headed run-in, kept on, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Mardale (10-10) at Hexham 2m (4) gs in Oct.
Tara's Rainbow 25-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place before 7th, soon behind, pulled up before 3 out, at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in May.
