led until 3rd, chased leader, led again narrowly 9th, ridden between last 2, joined last, headed and unable to quicken run-in, lost 2nd post
tracked leaders in 3rd on outside, one pace between last 2, kept on run-in, went 2nd post, no chance with winner
tracked leader, led 3rd, hit 9th and narrowly headed, chased leader until 4 out, soon weakened
not fluent 1st, bit keen, held up last, hit 8th, closer after next, went 2nd travelling well 4 out, hung left from next, switched right approaching last, quickened to lead run-in, ridden out
Brian Hughes was on board when ETTILA DE SIVOLA won over hurdles at Sedgefield and over fences at Newcastle last month and James Ewart's grey should be capable of defying a 5lb rise for that latest success. Martila, a four-times winner over hurdles, started favourite for her chasing debut in a better race than this at Sedgefield but never looked like winning though she'll improve for the experience. Dr Hooves makes his chasing debut after having wind surgery though is bred for the job but three-times point-to-point winner Manetti hasn't shown much under Rules.
Ettila De Sivola (FR) 11-8fav (11-6) Led, went right 4th, reached for 4 out, soon headed narrowly, ridden after next, stayed on to regain lead after last, held on well, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Raecius Felix (11-4) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
Martila (FR) 2-1fav (10-9) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, went 3rd next, no impression, 3rd of 6, 15l behind Rose Sea Has (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Dr Hooves (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Led, hit 4th, headed before 2 out, weakened rapidly, tailed off, 9th of 11, dist behind Tickenwolf (11-8) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jun.
Manetti (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Prominent, lost place after 3rd, soon in rear, struggling when pulled up after 9th, at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
