led, hit 4 out, headed before next, good jump to lead again at fence, clear flat, stayed on
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 11th, led before 3 out, soon headed, no impression flat
chased winner until 11th, outpaced and well held from after 14th
Tinker Time has gone backwards since beating Masters Hill at Newbury in December and, though PUFFIN BILLY's recent form is nothing special either, Oliver Sherwood's charge is fancied to come out on top today. The latter may have still been feeling the effects of a heavy fall at Ascot when pulled up over hurdles next time but remains a novice of some promise, especially on heavy going. Danners' narrow defeat by Financial Climate at Chepstow was a return to his best but he still has a bit find to win this if the other two complete.
Puffin Billy (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, chased leaders briefly after 4 out, weakened next, tailed off, when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Silsol (11-3) at Ffos Las 2m 4f ltd hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Tinker Time (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) In touch, pushed along and struggling in rear after 10th, tailed off 11th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Salmanazar (11-1) at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) sft, 8 ran.
Danners (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Chased leading pair, went 2nd 4th, led 6th, clear before 3 out, reduced lead last, headed final 50 yards, rallied, just held, 2nd of 6, hd behind Financial Climate (11-5) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs.
