led, ridden after 2 out, hard pressed last, soon headed, led again flat, stayed on gamely
tracked leader, challenged 5th, ridden and weakened quickly approaching 3 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, switched right before 2 out, challenged last, soon led, headed flat, held close home
held up in 4th, outpaced 5th, soon behind, went remote 3rd 3 out, tailed off
Nonrunner
An all-Welsh shoot-out with Tim Vaughan supplying three of the five. Jockey bookings indicate Donnachas Chant is the stable preferred and housed some very useful Irish novice hurdle form prior to joining his new handler. However, he hasn't been seen since August and KIAN'S DELIGHT is preferred despite conceding weight all round. He has some useful juvenile form in the book and has delivered two pleasing efforts in the new campaign, including a smooth Fakenham success last time. His assured race-fitness may prove decisive. Clarion Call is far from discounted with Tony McCoy getting the leg up on the Evan Williams charge.
Kian's Delight 11-4 (10-10) Tracked leader, joined leader 4th, led next, 3 lengths clear 2 out, stayed on, won at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in May beating Art History (10-7) by 4l, 7 ran.
Donnachas Chant (USA) 11-4fav (11-4) Keen hold and soon tracked leaders, led before 3 out, headed next, on terms again from last, kept on well run-in, just headed closing stages, 2nd of 13, nk behind Sultans Of Swing (11-4) at Killarney 2m 1f mdn hdl in Aug.
Clarion Call 9-2 (10-7) Chased leading trio, ridena nd outpaced after 6th, plugged on, went modest 4th last, 4th of 10, 20l behind One Term (10-12) at Ludlow 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Apr.
Geminus (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Towards rear, mistake 1st, reminder after 2nd, never dangerous, 9th of 12, well behind Chadford (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Peaks Of Fire (IRE) Evensfav (10-12) Mid-division, blundered 3rd, headway before 5th, led 3 out, soon headed, weakened before last, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Muwalla (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gf in May.