made all, not fluent last 2, ridden and ran on
tracked winner until hit 3 out, weakened next
keen tracked leaders, chased winner 3 out, ridden next, no impression
close up in 4th, ridden and went 3rd approaching 2 out when not fluent, kept on same pace
The fact that TIME FLIES BY, a half-brother to four winning jumpers, is making his hurdling debut in a Grade 2 after just two runs in Cheltenham bumpers should be a pointer in itself and the stable, not one to tilt at windmills, has won this for the past two years. He may be the value to see off northern raider Ribble Valley, who has been very impressive at Hexham and Wetherby but now faces a sterner test of his abilities. Master Debonair recouped Cheltenham losses here last month but is giving 3lb to his rivals. Mcfabulous won a Grade 2 bumper in the spring but was an expensive failure on his hurdles debut at Chepstow and has a bit to prove now.
Master Debonair 11-10fav (11-0) Made all, ridden approaching last, ran on, won at Ascot 2m (2) sft in Nov beating Tamaroc Du Mathan (11-5) by 7l, 6 ran.
McFabulous (IRE) (11-5) Held up in touch, tracked leaders 4 out, ridden into 2nd between last 2, kept on, never going pace to get on terms with winner, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Silver Hallmark (11-5) at Chepstow 2m mdn (4) sft in Nov.
Ribble Valley (IRE) 13-8jfav (11-4) Chased leaders on inside, 2nd after 4 out, led next, clear 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Nov beating Sir Valentine (11-4) by 11l, 13 ran.
Time Flies By (IRE) 5-6fav (11-0) Always prominent, driven and effort over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong, never quite getting to winner, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Israel Champ (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m lst (1) sft in Nov.
