Stakes should probably be kept to a minimum in this as though Ball Hopper will almost certainly start favourite under Jamie Bargary, he was well beaten when second at Towcester last month. HOME FOR TEA has started favourite for his last three but has been beaten each time, though this is a drop in class. He's given one final chance as Cool Bob's record over fences is abysmal and he's in the veteran stage now, as are Ard Agus Fada and Kilfinnan Castle. Bishops Gate has yet to show any sign of ability yet carries top weight.
Bishops Gate (IRE) 100-1 (10-4) In rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Runswick Royal (11-0) at Newcastle 2m nov chs (4) sft, 7 ran.
Home For Tea 9-4fav (10-8) Close up, reminders 8th, outpaced 10th, rallied flat to nearly snatch 3rd, 4th of 5, 18l behind Topthorn (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
Cool Bob (IRE) 9-1 (10-4) Mid-division, jumped right 1st, headway 9th, mistake 15th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Bang On Time (11-7) at Wincanton 3m 1f 5yo nov hcp (4) hvy.
Ard Agus Fada (IRE) 25-1 (9-8) Always behind, no impression from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Cool Warrior (9-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f hcp chs 0-102 in Nov, 16 ran.
Ball Hopper (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) In touch, joined leader after 4th, left in narrow lead 7th, headed next, lost place after 3 out, no impression before next, plugged on to take modest 2nd near finish, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 8, 13l behind Wicklewood (11-2) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Dec.
Killfinnan Castle (IRE) 7-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, weakened from 2 out, 7th of 8, 38l behind Carhue Princess (11-1) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Nov.
