tracked leaders, ridden and headway to lead approaching last, ran on
(not jump well)tracked leader, ridden to lead 2 out, headed approaching next, kept on one pace
keen early, in rear, behind from 4th, outclassed
led, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on one pace
The winner of the Christmas Hurdle here last year, high-class hurdler SILVER STREAK bids to win this for the third time in a row. He was returning from a lay-off on both previous occasions and looks the one to beat again. Sceau Royal won the Game Spirit over fences at Newbury early in the year but reverts to the smaller obstacles for his reappearance though is certainly no mug over hurdles whereas Teqany has a tough task on these terms, though has been in good form on the Flat. Aleatoric is guaranteed prize money with a clear round.
Sceau Royal (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Chased leading pair on inside, went left 9th, pushed along and went left again 2 out, stayed on same pace, never any chance with leading duo, 3rd of 7, 15 3/4l behind Greaneteen (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) gd in Apr.
Silver Streak (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) In touch in mid-division, closed 7th, ridden after 3 out, outpaced and no impression on leaders from next, 6th of 11, 8 1/4l behind Abacadabras (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
Aleatoric (IRE) 33-1 (9-8) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 17 1/4l behind Lindwall (9-2) at Chelmsford City 1m 6f hcp (5) pol in Oct.
Teqany (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Led, ridden well over 2f out, headed 2f out, stayed on well, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Goobinator (9-7) at Haydock 2m hcp (4) gf in Sep.
