held up in touch, hit 2nd, slow next and 5th, pushed along before 2 out, weakened after last
held up in touch, not fluent 2nd, pushed along before 2 out, kept on one pace after last
led, not fluent 2nd, pushed along approaching 2 out, headed 2 out, ridden after last, kept on, no match for winner
prominent, slow 3 out, soon pushed along, kept on one pace after last
prominent, not fluent 2nd, nudged along before 3 out, headway to challenge and led 2 out, went clear last, ran on strongly flat, comfortably
A cracking Listed contest with five last-time winners and Twinjets not discounted either. Kaleb needs to improve on his maiden hurdle success at Fakenham, the form of which has not been boosted. Ballyglass is admirably consistent but also needs to progress, likewise Snake Roll. However, the latter was most impressive when demolishing his field at Kelso and is well worth his place here. Tahmuras also looked the part when landing a Chepstow maiden hurdle and Paul Nicholls is happy to promote him immediately to this level. He's respected, but SIZING POTTSIE, an experienced Grade 2 winning chaser, dotted up on stable debut for David Pipe when returned to hurdles last month and can make his greater know-how count. Twinjets was a little disappointing last time and needs to put that behind him.
Ballyglass (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Prominent, not much room after 3 out, led 2 out, clear last, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Oct beating Inflagrante (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Kaleb (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, chased clear leader 3rd, led next, ridden approaching last, ran on, won at Fakenham 2m mdn (4) gd in Oct beating Milldam (11-3) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Sizing Pottsie (FR) 2-7fav (11-0) Pressed leader, led 2nd, clear 6th, unchallenged, won at Ayr 2m (4) gs in Oct beating Maughold Head (11-0) by 18l, 9 ran.
Snake Roll (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Made all, quickened clear 2 out, stayed on well, unchallenged, won at Kelso 2m mdn (4) gs in Oct beating Captain Broomfield (11-4) by 15l, 14 ran.
Tahmuras (FR) 11-8fav (11-4) Made all, quickened clear flat, easily, won at Chepstow 2m mdn (4) gs in Nov beating Bubble Dubi (11-4) by 8l, 15 ran.
Twinjets (IRE) 10-11fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway when hampered and lost place 3 out, closed last, no impression, weakened flat, 6th of 11, 19 1/4l behind Fennor Cross (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m mdn (3) gd in Oct.
