After making a winning start over fences at Wincanton, Drumcliff was very impressive in a handicap at Ascot but dropping back to 2m on slightly quicker going may not be ideal and he does have a double penalty. TREE OF LIBERTY came up against a smart novice at Newbury after winning easily here on his fencing bow. He’s going to be a much better chaser than hurdler and could outpace these. Copain De Classe started favourite on his chasing debut at Ascot and ran well for third behind the useful Benatar but is another who would probably have preferred another half-mile.
Drumcliff (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Confidently ridden, raced wide, waited with in last pair, smooth headway tracking leaders 10th, led on bit soon after 3 out, over 5 lengths ahead last, further clear run-in, very easily, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Russborough (10-10) by 12l, 7 ran.
Tree Of Liberty (IRE) 5-2 (11-2) Led until before 3rd (water) where not fluent, chased winner, hit 4 out, 3 lengths down and no impression when jumped left next, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 4, 10l behind Saint Calvados (11-8) at Newbury 2m hcp (1) sft in Jan.
Copain De Classe (FR) 3-1fav (11-4) Held up in touch, challenged on outside 3 out, every chance next, one pace between last 2, ridden and no impression with front pair flat, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Benatar (12-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Shininstar (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakened after 3 out, 10th of 12, 23 3/4l behind Whatmore (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) gd in Oct.
The Lion Man (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Mid-division, weakened before 4 out, 8th of 16, 27 3/4l behind Triopas (11-9) at Towcester 3m hcp (5) gs in Dec.
Over To Midnight 33-1 (10-12) Led until 5th, led next, headed 3 out, weakened after next, 6th of 10, 34l behind Carole's Vigilante (11-5) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
