led until 13th, ridden to lead again 4 out, headed before last, stayed on but held by winner flat
held up in touch on outside, mistake 4 out, no extra from next
tracked leader, led 13th, ridden and headed 4 out, no extra from 2 out
tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, mistake 10th, challenged after 3 out, led before last, pushed out
tracked leaders on inside, not fluent 2nd, hit 7th, mistake 9th, not fluent 14th, ridden before 4 out, soon beaten, mistake 2 out, went modest 3rd from last
Farmer Matt made a promising start over fences behind Caid Du Berlais here in December and the step up in trip should suit. Beforeall has already won over the larger obstacles at Fontwell and Plumpton but was beaten 10 lengths off today's mark at Huntingdon last time. BALLYTOBER found the company too hot in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock on his latest start but has been dropped a couple of pounds since earlier placed efforts here and at Chepstow and, with Richard Johnson in the saddle for the first time over fences today, can finally open his account. Super Villan is no forlorn hope if in the mood but Knockraheen makes his chasing bow.
Beforeall (IRE) 11-4 (11-7) Tracked leader until 2nd and again from 6th until after 11th, one pace after 4 out, no impression in 3rd 2 out, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Dare To Endeavour (10-11) at Huntingdon 3m nov hcp chs (0-125) (3) hvy in Feb.
Ballytober 8-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, headway 5 out, chased leaders next, never on terms, 7th of 12, 43l behind Night Alliance (11-0) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Dec.
Super Villan 14-1 (10-0) Led narrowly and clear with one other, headed 4th, tracked leader, lost place 13th, ridden after next, weakened before 2 out, 9th of 11, well behind Indian Castle (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) hvy in Jan.
Farmer Matt (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, one pace and no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 13l behind Caid Du Berlais (10-7) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (2) gd in Dec.
Knockraheen (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Close and hampered 1st, soon mid-division, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 6th of 12, 29l behind Heavenstown (10-12) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
