led at decent pace, going well before 3 out, ridden approaching next, joined between last 2, soon driven, headed appproaching last, one pace flat
jumped moderately, chased leading pair, mistake and rider lost irons briefly 3rd, hit next and reminders, struggling and no chance in 4th when not fluent 8th, tailed off in 5th when pulled up before next
behind, outpaced 5th, mistake 7th, went poor 4th before 3 out, tailed off
held up in last pair, headway to chase leading trio 4th, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to challenge between last 2, led approaching last, stayed on well flat
chased leader until pushed along 3 out, stayed on same pace in 3rd from next
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Top Wood is sure to be popular here following his second to Bakbenscher while One For Harry is bidding for a hat-trick after wins at Sedgefield and Newcastle, though has been raised a further 12lb since his last success. KING OF THE WOLDS was no match for Eduard on his hurdling debut at Newcastle but showed the benefit of that experience to win by six lengths on heavy ground at Wetherby over Christmas. He looks to be on upward curve and, though not especially well handicapped here, could be worth risking at the likely odds. Stopped Out bounced back to form at Kelso but is on a career-high mark again now while Hollo Ladies seems better over fences. Agglestone Rock would have a chance on his old form but hasn't raced over hurdles since 2011 and has been below par on the all-weather lately. Spirit Of Nation won at Perth in August but may need this.
Top Wood (FR) 13-2 (10-8) In touch, headway before last, chased winner closing stages, never able to challenge, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Bakbenscher (10-13) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Dec.
One For Harry (IRE) 6-4fav (11-8) Held up in touch, headway after 5 out, went after 4 out, led before 3 out, clear from last, easily, won at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy beating Bunratty (10-5) by 13l, 6 ran.
Cool Baranca (GER) 66-1 (10-8) In rear, struggling 4th, tailed off 4 out, 12th of 14, well behind Swing Bowler (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl (2) sft.
Hollo Ladies (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Held up in touch in rear, closed from 6th, mistake 8th, no extra 2 out, 4th of 6, 23l behind Pas Trop Tard (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy.
Spirit of A Nation (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 2 out (usual 3 out), led on long run between last 2, soon ridden, kept on well, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Aug beating Jamsie Hall (11-10) by 7l, 7 ran.
Stopped Out 3-1 (11-12) Made all, driven clear from 2 out, stayed on well, eased towards finish, won at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) hvy in Dec beating Shanen (11-7) by 14l, 6 ran.
King Of The Wolds (IRE) 11-10fav (10-12) Made all, driven 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec beating Firth Of The Clyde (10-12) by 6l, 12 ran.
Dun Masc (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, slight mistake 4 out (usual 6 out) and mistake next (usual 5 out), ridden in 6th at last (usual 3 out), 3rd 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 4l behind D's Trix (10-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f hcp chs 0-109 gd in Apr.
Agglestone Rock 11-8fav (10-10) Held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway approaching 5th, led before 6th, clear after 4 out, pushed out, won at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Apr '11 beating Livvy Inn (11-4) by 12l, 9 ran.
Yachvili (IRE) 10-1 (10-6) Waited with towards rear, niggled along approaching 4 out, no extra from before next and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Miss Xian (11-6) at Fairyhouse 2m 7f hcp hdl 80-109 hvy, 9 ran.
