led until after 2nd, dropped off front pair when not fluent 6th, not fluent and slightly hampered 2 out, no extra flat
took keen hold, prominent, led after 2nd, headed before 5th, led 8th, stumbled slightly 3 out, 1/2 length lead when fell 2 out
held up in last, shaken up and closed after 3 out, left 2nd from 2 out, no impression on winner from last, kept on
held up in 4th, not always fluent, headway approaching 3 out, 1/2 length 2nd when left in lead 2 out, clear last, stayed on well
prominent, led before 5th, not fluent and headed 8th, lost place when not fluent 3 out, tired when slowed into last markedly and fell
NonRunner
This will almost certainly be determined by which of these promising novices fence most fluently around this unique track. Le Prezien has already confirmed he's a useful chaser in the making with a fine first effort over fences at Uttoxeter when failing by less than a length to handle Charbel, whilst Three Stars has impressed in landing his last two chasing starts at Listowel and Punchestown, beating Ball D'arc on both occasions. However, his stable companion, SOME PLAN, appeals as a value option as he was a very useful hurdler who jumped most intelligently on his chasing debut when easily outpointing the far more experienced Art Of Payroll. Flying Angel disappointed here on Friday and Hammersly Lake and Mick Thonic will need to improve on recent efforts, although both have shown ability over fences.
Three Stars (IRE) 3-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, progress to lead 2 out, soon ridden and 2 lengths clear last, driven out and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 2f (1) gd in Oct beating Ball D'arc (11-1) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Some Plan (IRE) 4-9fav (11-12) Made all, soon clear, slight mistake 6th and reduced lead, still travelling smoothly straight, ridden run-in, soon asserted and stayed on well, won at Punchestown 2m gd in Oct beating Art Of Payroll (11-12) by 7l, 2 ran.
Hammersly Lake (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Led, joined 11th, driven and headed 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 6, 16 3/4l behind Rock The Kasbah (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3f (2) gd in Oct.
Le Prezien (FR) 11-8fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 4 out until next, ridden before last, kept on to chase winner and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Charbel (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) gd in Oct.
Mick Thonic (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Led, jumped well, clear 8th until 11th, not fluent 3 out, soon headed, stayed on, no impression on winner towards finish, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Shantou Village (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gd in Oct.
Flying Angel (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Held up in last pair, struggling 10th, lost touch when pulled up before 4 out, at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gd in Nov.
