Robinson Collonges, a winner on the Flat and over hurdles in France, has won two of his four starts over fences; fell when in control in another; and made a bad mistake which put him out of contention in a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham last time. He could possibly find this ground a little lively. Gilbarry has also been far from foot-perfect in his two starts over fences despite scoring at Wetherby, but William's Wishes has jumped like an old hand to score at Ludlow and Leicester. Norman The Great was having his first start since July when making a reasonable chasing debut behind Tullamore Dew at Plumpton but will need to step up markedly on that. Wind Shuffle and NAFAATH fought out a tremendous battle at Ayr earlier this month but the latter, who is still only five and open to improvement, can take this as he looks the type to go on to better things.
Gilbarry (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased winner when blundered 9th, soon ridden, not fluent 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 16l behind Dan Breen (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
Robinson Collonges (FR) 15-2 (10-11) Towards rear of mid-division, pecked 5th, headway and in touch 5 out, outpaced when blundered 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 16, 45l behind Poquelin (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec.
William's Wishes (IRE) 2-9fav (11-7) Took keen hold, held up in 3rd, hit 5th, went 2nd 4 out, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, led last, ran on, won at Leicester 2m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Sonning Star (11-1) by 11l, 5 ran.
Norman The Great 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced 3 out, staying on when left in 2nd 2 out, kept on well, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Tullamore Dew (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs.
Wind Shuffle (GER) 6-1 (11-0) Made all, hit 7th, driven and hard pressed 2 out, ridden flat, stayed on gamely, just held on, won at Ayr 2m nov chs (4) gd beating Nafaath (10-10) by ns, 5 ran.
Nafaath (IRE) 11-8fav (10-10) Pressed winner virtually throughout, blundered 8th, ridden 2 out, stayed on gamely and every chance, just failed, 2nd of 5, ns behind Wind Shuffle (11-0) at Ayr 2m nov chs (4) gd.
