chased leader, ridden 10th, fell 11th
led and jumped well, ridden 2 out, easily
held up, not jump well, behind from 4th, tailed off and took poor 3rd from 11th
mid-division, chased leader from 7th, not pace of winner
Ballysicyos (FR) Classy hurdler, fifth in the 1999 Triumph Hurdle. Winning debut over fences at Plumpton, although didn't jump all that fluently. Still, conditions won't bother him and cannot be ruled out.
Gastina (FR) Ex-French, very impressive debut for new stable at Ludlow, and did little wrong when second to Rodock in similar conditions. Excellent chance of returning to winning ways here.
Country Boy Very moderate hurdler and showed nothing on chasing debut at Kempton to suggest he can win this.
Mersey Beat Decent hurdler. Encouraging effort when second to Bright November at Kempton on chasing debut, but disappointing on only subsequent start there, behind Dusk Duel. Admittedly this should be easier, but still hard to fancy.