AARDWOLF won three times on the Flat for Mark Johnston, though never beyond 7f. He did run twice over 1m4f, however, and ended up with a rating of 84 so could outclass this bunch if his stamina holds up. Comrade Conrad started odds-on for his hurdling debut at Fontwell last month but jumped poorly and a bad blunder on the final circuit put paid to his chances. With a clear round, he would be a danger and can reverse form with Cold Shoulder. Ray's The Money had decent Flat form but on much quicker going.
Aardwolf (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Soon led, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra, 5th of 13, 2 1/4l behind Silvery Moon (9-2) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Cold Shoulder 16-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up in rear, weakened before 2 out, never on terms, last of 5, 20l behind Aiguille Rouge (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) sft in Dec.
Comrade Conrad (IRE) 10-11fav (10-12) Mid-division, blundered and lost place 5th, headway 4 out, ridden to chase clear pair after next, never on terms, lost remote 3rd flat, 4th of 9, 35l behind Aiguille Rouge (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) hvy in Dec.
Pentito Rap (USA) 9-2 (8-11) In touch and pushed along, ridden over 1f out, went 3rd place inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 12, 9l behind Sonnet Rose (9-1) at Southwell 1m mdn hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Ray's The Money (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Slowly away always towards rear, 11th of 12, 36 1/4l behind Jabbaar (9-2) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Titan 100-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, some late minor headway, never on terms, 7th of 12, 36 1/2l behind Style De Garde (11-4) at Newbury 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Let's Be Happy (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Four Kingdoms (9-1) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Penny Red 125-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, took keen hold, weakened before 2 out, mistake last, 4th of 7, 21 3/4l behind Hillcrest Fire (10-10) at Leicester 2m fll (3) gs in Nov.
