soon led, ridden after 2 out, headed before last, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, ridden to challenge after 2 out, soon no impression
always in rear, tailed off when pulled up last
prominent, hit 3rd, chased leader 5th, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened, blundered and unseated last
pulled hard in rear, headway 3 out, chased leaders after next, kept on same pace
held up in rear, under pressure 3 out, soon beaten, behind when pulled up last
tracked leaders, always travelling well, led approaching last, soon in command
held up in rear, some headway 2 out, never on terms
OPEN DAY and Lively Fling may be the pair to concentrate on here with the likes of Diktalina already exposed as being modest. Blue Tango and Myshkin are entitled to improve for their initial experiences but neither showed enough to think that they're ready to land a race of this nature. Diktalina has shown a little more promise but appeals as the type to fare better once handicapping whilst it's hard to make a case for the other three runners. Lively Fling has the advantage of a run over hurdles to his name and it was a pleasing performance too as he chased home two sorts that had been useful on the level. He may need better ground to show his best form though so preference is for Open Day who landed a weak bumper at Lingfield before struggling to cope with the step up in class at Cheltenham. He, too, has to prove himself on this ground as he makes his hurdling bow but Open Day may be up to the task.
Blue Tango (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Prominent, no impression from 2 out, 4th of 11, 22l behind Notus De La Tour (10-11) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Lively Fling (USA) 15-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 9, 6l behind Bothy (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Maverick's Magic 100-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, no impression, 7th of 14, 15l behind Shannersburg (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f sell stks in Dec (flat).
Myshkin 33-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden approaching 4th, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 12, 18l behind Corredor Sun (10-12) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Open Day (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) With leader, every chance well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 15, 12l behind Tetlami (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 6f Listed (4yo) (1) sft.
Six of Clubs 50-1 (10-9) Held up, mistakes, behind from 6th, last of 8, well behind Singapore Reef (10-12) at Taunton 2m 1f 3yo mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Diktalina 25-1 (10-2) Chased leading trio, pushed along approaching 3 out, struggling from next, no chance when hit last, 4th of 7, 15l behind Westlin' Winds (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
The Saucy Snipe 200-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, no impression, 6th of 11, 37l behind Notus De La Tour (10-11) at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.
