jumped well, made all, joined from 3 out, 1 length ahead last, stayed on gamely flat, ridden out (no time taken)
took keen hold, close up, 3rd 5 out, driven before 3 out, weakened before next, tailed off
took keen hold, close up, steadied rear 8th, stayed on to 3rd just before 2 out, no chance with leading duo
tracked leading duo, tracked winner 4th until after 7th, stayed in 3rd until hit 5 out, brief rally before 2 out, weakened soon after
jumped right, pressed leader until after 4th, went 2nd again after 7th, challenged and went right 3 out, soon ridden, about 1 length down when slight peck last, kept on flat, held towards finish
There's sure to be plenty of interest in WATAMU BAY given that Paul Nicholls has saddled the winner of this race in each of the last four seasons. Stamina is the forte of the lightly raced gelding who won two of his four starts over hurdles for Charlie Mann and this test can see the Irish point winner make a winning debut over fences for his new yard. Aberdale has always appealed as the type to come into his own when chasing but may need this run so more problems may be posed by Balthazar King and The Shoe. However, the former will need to take a leap forwards if he's to follow up on his winning chase bow at Worcester whilst Nicky Henderson's runner has yet to convince over the larger obstacles.
Balthazar King (IRE) 2-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, not fluent and went 2nd 11th, close up when left in lead 4 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Sep beating Triggerman (11-6) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
The Shoe (NZ) Evensfav (11-7) Raced keenly, with leader from 2nd, led 6th until after next, led 14th, not fluent 2 out, ridden flat, headed last stride, 2nd of 3, hd behind Pilgrims Lane (11-8) at Bangor 3m nov chs (4) gd in Aug.
Aberdale (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Tracked leading pair and clear, went 2nd approaching 8th, led when hit 4 out and next, drew clear from 2 out, pushed out, comfortably, won at Uttoxeter 3m nov hdl (4) gf in May beating Pairc Na Gcapall (10-10) by 6l, 10 ran.
Clyffe Hanger (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway approaching 2 out, one pace and no chance when blundered last, 5th of 14, 22l behind Money Order (11-7) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Dec.
Watamu Bay (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Mid-division, stuggling 9th, soon in rear, 10th of 19, well behind Berties Dream (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
