jumped left throughout, made all, hung left run-in, ran on, ridden out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten
tracked winner throughout, ridden after 3 out, held approaching last
Moon Over Miami is selected here ahead of Templer and Space Cowboy. Rated 117 over hurdles, Templer jumped moderately when fourth on his Cheltenham chasing debut and, in the circumstances, did well to finish so close to the winner. So long as he has learned from that experience, he looks set to go well. However, Moon Over Miami achieved a rating in the 130s over hurdles and probably needed the run when also jumping modestly at Kempton on his seasonal return. He should strip fitter and be smarter for that run and can also go well. Space Cowboy was ahead of him in that Kempton race so cannot be ruled out of a good run. For the selection, then, we return to Moon Over Miami.
Templer (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Mistakes, prominent in chasing group, hit 4 out, beaten when blundered 3 out, 4th of 7, 14l behind Tramantano (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs (3) gs in Oct.
Flashing Wild (IRE) 100-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 11th, 7th of 14, 23l behind Warpath (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
Space Cowboy (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden and no impression from 3 out, left moderate 3rd next until flat, 4th of 8, 20l behind Mahogany Blaze (11-4) at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct.
Moon Over Miami (GER) 13-8fav (11-4) Took keen hold, not always fluent, held up in touch, went 3rd at 7th, ridden, blundered and went badly left 2 out, no chance after, 5th of 8, 24l behind Mahogany Blaze (11-4) at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct.