took keen hold, held up in touch, steady headway to track leading pair from 11th, upsides and every chance when hit last 3, not quicken run-in
tracked leaders, went 2nd before 8th, ridden and no response before 3 out, weakened tamely
settled in rear, steady headway from 11th, tracked leading pair before 3 out, challenged and mistake next, driven last, quickened ahead run-in
jumped right at several fences, close up in 4th, weakened 9th, tailing off and pulled up before 11th
led, joined and pressed form 2 out, kept on well under pressure until headed and not pace of winner run-in
chased leader until mistake and pulled up quickly after 8th
held up, ridden and struggling after 11th, weakened before 3 out
This race sees the long-awaited debut over fences of last season's Stayers' Hurdle winner Iris's Gift; however, with Jonjo O'Neill's stable having been shut down for two months and jumping ability an unknown quantity the eight-year-old may be best watched and preference is for Hand Inn Hand, who gets the vote over Martin Pipe's pair It Takes Time and Seebald. The last mentioned came within a whisker of beating Best Mate at Exeter earlier in the season but has failed to run up to that form since and jockey bookings suggest that It Takes Time is the better fancied of the Pipe runners. Jamie Moore's mount has often flattered to deceive over fences though and is probably best passed over. Noel Chance's Murphy's Cardinal is unexposed and has to be respected but needs to improve, while the leading novice Ollie Magern may find this trip on the short side for him. Spring Grove does not look good enough and of more interest is Iris's Gift. If taking to fences and if fit enough he would have an obvious chance but Jonjo O'Neill's gelding is a risky proposition and a safer bet looks to be Hand Inn Hand. Henry Daly's gelding has often threatened to win a decent prize and may well do so now that he has his optimum conditions.
Murphy's Cardinal (IRE) 8-1 Close up, led from 9th, headed after 3 out, 3rd next, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Rule Supreme at Leopardstown 3m chs Grd 1 (A) sft.
Seebald (GER) 7-1 Close up, driven along to hold position from 9th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 10, 15l behind Well Chief at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Jan.
