Brixen has shown some ability and Qaspal could be interesting if fully wound-up following a lengthy absence. But VINO GRIEGO is surely too good to remain a maiden over fences for much longer and this is his easiest task for some time. Stars Du Granits, a winner over hurdles at Plumpton a couple of years ago, probably has most scope of the remainder and was still in touch and going well when falling on his reappearance over the smaller obstacles at Newbury in November.
Border Station (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Chased leading pair until 3 out, went 3rd again before last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Watergate (11-3) at Folkestone 2m 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Jan.
Canni Thinkaar (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Led, jumped slightly left at times, niggled along from 6th, not fluent 8th, headed next, soon led again, headed after 3 out, weakened before next, last of 4, 42l behind Pentiffic (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Jan.
Moving Wings (IRE) 22-1 (10-1) Led, headed before 2 out, quickly weakened, 7th of 8, 45l behind Rock Peak (10-0) at Wincanton 2m cond nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs in Nov.
Qaspal (FR) 10-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, mid-division 3 out, no chance with leaders when badly hampered by faller approaching last, 15th of 23, 35l behind Sir Des Champs (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Mar.
Stars Du Granits (FR) 11-1 (11-5) Chased leading pair, hit 3rd and next, fell 4 out, in a race won by Empire Levant (11-4) at Newbury 2m con hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 6 ran.
Vino Griego (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Prominent, led 3rd, mistake 12th, joined and hit 3 out, headed soon after and dropped to 3rd, weakening when left modest 4th 2 out, 4th of 11, 16l behind Triolo D'Alene (10-8) at Ascot 2m 3f nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan.
Roanstar 66-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, went 6th after 3 out, never a chance, 8th of 12, 34l behind Native Beauty (10-11) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Brixen (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, led, hit 1st, headed 6th (water), chased winner and stayed challenging, went right 12th, no impression when went right 2 out, soon lost 2nd, dropped to 4th close home, 4th of 7, 17l behind Kateal (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4f mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) gs in Jan.