KEKI BUKU's second to Rock Noir at Warwick wasn't a bad initial effort over fences and Philip Hobbs' eight-year-old, who ended up with a rating of 137 over hurdles, should have too much for these if he's improved for the experience. Gus Macrae hasn't really got to grips with the larger obstacles so far and was some way adrift of Sambulando at Kempton last time, while Arctic Wings will need to improve on his fourth at Catterick if he's to figure here. Hector's Choice has been lightly campaigned in recent years but does have ability, though may need this after yet another spell on the sidelines.
Arctic Wings (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Held up in touch and keen, pushed along before 3 out, ridden in 4th after 2 out, never dangerous, 4th of 12, 25l behind Glencree (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f beg chase (4) gs.
Gus Macrae (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up in 4th, effort to chase winner 4 out to next, soon ridden and no impression, weakened and lost moderate 3rd 2 out, 4th of 7, 31l behind Nadiya De La Vega (10-8) at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) gs.
Hector's Choice (FR) 33-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, driven after 3 out, ridden next, 4th and one pace when sprawled badly last, not recover, 11th of 16, well behind Nearby (11-4) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Oct.
Keki Buku (FR) 11-8fav (11-0) Tracked leader, not fluent 5th, led narrowly 7th, driven and headed between last 2, soon no chance with winner, ridden out for 2nd flat, 2nd of 3, 7l behind Rock Noir (11-7) at Warwick 2m nov chs (4) sft in Dec.
Sambulando (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Led, headed 4 out, soon lost place, stayed on to go moderate 3rd 2 out, no chance with leading pair, 3rd of 7, 20l behind Nadiya De La Vega (10-8) at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) gs.
Uncle Ant (IRE) 28-1 (11-5) Led, hit and headed 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 11, 6l behind Nosecond Chance (11-2) at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (5) gs.
Washango (IRE) 40-1 (11-8) Mid-division, headway 5th, jumped big next, weakened soon after, tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Salpierre (11-9) at Warwick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Nov.
