tracked leaders, mistake 8th, driven to challenge approaching 2 out, soon under pressure, weakened last
tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, led after 5 out, driven clear approaching last, easily
led, not fluent 5 out, soon headed and outpaced, rallied after 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd closing stages, no chance with easy winner
ACTIVIAL was third in the betfair Hurdle on this card 12 months ago and has taken well to fences. A lack of experience probably cost him a victory here on his debut over the larger obstacles but he made no mistake next time at Exeter and will be heading for a Grade 1 at The Festival if accounting for today's two rivals. Out Sam had little to beat last month at Catterick and appears to have plenty to find with the selection on an earlier third at ascot while Milansbar stopped quickly at Uttoxeter after a promising run at Wetherby and still has something to learn about jumping fences.
Activial (FR) 2-7fav (11-0) In touch, went 2nd before 3 out, soon led and jumped left, jumped left 2 out, clear before last, won at Exeter 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan beating Oscar Sunset (11-0) by 16l, 5 ran.
Out Sam 1-4fav (10-11) Made all, pushed along before 3 out, about 2 lengths up and looking in command when left clear 2 out, won at Catterick 2m 3f (4) sft in Jan beating Halcyon Days (10-11) by dist, 3 ran.
Milansbar (IRE) 2-1 (11-1) Led, headed and reminder 10th, ridden in 4th from 12th, no impression when hit 2 out, mistake last, 4th of 5, 16 3/4l behind Aubusson (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m (4) hvy in Dec.
