close up in 5th, ridden and weakened 2 out
made all, 3 lengths clear last, ridden out
keen in rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
keen close up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
keen tracked leaders, pushed along 3 out, weakened next
keen tracked winner, ridden and not fluent 2 out, kept on one pace
LIVA has form in the book with a second at Catterick on his recent hurdling bow. Donald McCain's charge can build on that experience and open his account over timber. Marble Bar fared less well in the same race at Catterick when a long way behind the selection but Sarvi showed some promise over these obstacles last month before fading away in the closing stages. Paddy The Chef is of similar ability on the Flat to most of these and is worth considering on his first start over timber.
Barnay 50-1 (10-12) In rear, outpaced 5th, not a factor after, 6th of 9, dist behind Nelson River (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f mdn (4) gs in Nov.
Liva (IRE) 6-5fav (10-12) Prominent in chasing group, went 2nd well after 3 out, ridden and close up after next, every chance last, unable to quicken and no impression with winner flat, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Travel Lightly (10-5) at Catterick 2m (4) gd in Nov.
Marble Bar 12-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off before 2 out, 7th of 11, dist behind Travel Lightly (10-5) at Catterick 2m (4) gd in Nov.
Paddy The Chef (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) Held up in mid-division, closed on outside 5f out, ridden and not pace of leaders from over 1f out, 6th of 11, 4 3/4l behind Villette (9-4) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Can Can Sixty Two 9-1 (10-0) Mid-division, chased leaders before 3 out, soon outpaced, ridden and weakened after next, 6th of 11, 30 3/4l behind Buster Valentine (11-8) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Nov.
Sarvi 7-2 (10-5) Towards rear, headway from 2 out, one pace, 4th of 6, 13 3/4l behind Needs To Be Seen (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m (4) gf in Nov.
Don't Think So (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, ridden 7f out, lost place over 3f out, last of 11, dist behind L'incorrigible (10-12) at Warwick 1m 6f (5) sft in Nov.