mid-division and mistake 2nd, behind from halfway
led and clear 3rd, every chance and headed 2 out, stayed on one-paced
in rear after 4th, pulled up before 4 out
in rear, some headway from halfway, not trouble leaders
chased leader, soon weakened and in rear from 4 out
held up in rear, under pressure from 5 out, one-paced
mid-division, no headway from 2 out
always handy, no chance from 2 out
in mid-division until headway 4 out, challenged 2 out, stayed on well from last, nearest finish
in rear, headway to challenge 3 out, every chance and not fluent last, not pace to trouble winner
prominent, hdwy to chase leader 4 out, every chance 2 out, never dangerous from last
held up in rear, steady headway to challenge 3 out, led after 2 out. ran on strongly from last
Auetaler (GER) First run of the season. Had some decent form last year, but has never won on ground as soft as this, and jockey bookings suggest he is down the Pipe pecking order. Then again, so was Robbie Fowler, one of his owners, at Anfield until recently!
Mr Cool McCoy's pick of the six Pipe entries. Has only lost once over hurdles, over this course and distance on heavy ground. Put that behind him with a bold front-running display here before Christmas and should hold Hulysse Royal on that form, as well as Salford Flyer. May not have the lead to himself, and it could be significant that he was unable to dominate when he was beaten. That said, he is clearly one for the shortlist.
The French Furze (IRE) Second on all three starts this season, and closely matched with Hulysse Royal on Cheltenham form. Tough, consistent sort who could easily play a part in the finish.
Hit And Run (FR) Lightly raced over recent times, and a good run behind Red Guard at Ascot recently. That form gives him a shout, but overall there are others preferred.
Hidebound (IRE) Very much the dark horse of the race, having raced only three times over hurdles. Reverts back from chasing last season, but Mick Fitzgerald prefers Landing Light.
Rainbow Frontier (IRE) One of the least likely of Martin Pipe's horses, likes soft ground but looks thoroughly exposed.
Topacio Irish raider who won a Grade One event at Punchestown in May. Excuses for most of his recent defeats, wrong trip in particular, and ran with credit behind Moscow Flyer on latest start. Wouldn't rule him out.
Hulysse Royal (FR) Another who is lightly-raced and is quite closely matched with Mr Cool on recent course and distance form. Has been targeted for this race and well backed all week, so must be respected.
Master Tern (USA) Last year's County Hurdle winner. Has something to find with Landing Light on Cheltenham form, but could be spot on here. Does the handicapper have his measure, though?
Copeland Well beaten in third behind Landing Light on his last run. No obvious reason why he should reverse the form on these terms.
Doctor Goddard Has only won once in his life, but still boasts some useful form in this type of race. Won't mind the ground, but is stable second string behind Rooster Booster.
Grinkov (IRE) Stablemate of Topacio, he won the Pierse Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown last month in good style. Progressive sort, closely matched with Rooster Booster on that form and has Charlie Swan on board again. Hard to ignore his claims.
Scarlet Pimpernel Lightly raced, and finished ahead of Landing Light when second to Valiramix in December. Well-handicapped on that form, but a false pace there means it could be misleading.
Milligan (FR) Lightly raced, and closely matched with Mr Cool on his last run. Hasn't raced since November though, and must improve to figure here, one suspects.
Rooster Booster Third to Grinkov at Leopardstown, and possibly a shade unlucky. Indeed, luck has not been on his side for most of this season. Will not mind these conditions and is almost certain to be involved in the finish. Will his luck change this time?
Bring Sweets Former useful novice with Martin Pipe but has not looked the same horse this season.
Landing Light (IRE) Scopey sort who impressed when winning at Cheltenham recently. Open to any amount of improvement, the trainer won this race last year, but there is a slight worry that his inexperience could count against him.
Red Guard Has been brought along quietly this season, and won in desperate ground at Ascot last time, ahead of Hit And Run and Doctor Goddard. Often travels well in his races, but does not always find as much as one would expect off the bridle.
Ferrers All out to beat Rooster Booster at Cheltenham on only start this season and now worse off at the weights. Has suffered from colic since then, and unlikely to confirm the form here.
Master Cooper (IRE) Ex-Irish gelding, faces an impossible task at the weights.
Salford Flyer Well beaten by Mr Cool this season and unlikely to turn the tables.
