soon clear with leader, led approaching 6th, stayed on well from 2 out
tracked clear leading pair, ridden to chase winner approaching 4 out, no impression when mistake last
held up, stayed on under pressure from 7th, kept on same pace approaching last, no chance with winner
behind, struggling from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
not jump well, driven along from 3rd, well in rear and no chance when blundered 7th
led and soon clear with winner, headed 6th, weakened 4 out
Dungarvans Choice won twice over hurdles at the beginning of last year and a return to that form would make him competitive here from a mark of 122, even though his last run - over fences - came on 27 December. Berlin Blue has been off for over a year. Sure Future, one of two course and distance winners in the race, has won two of his last three races, and risen to a mark of 114 from 98 as a consequence, which will make life tougher for him. Ennel Boy, who will appreciate the going, is another who has been raised to a career high - up to a mark of 114 - after finishing second to Glacial Sunset at Cheltenham last time on his fu=irst run after a long absence. That will make life tougher for him but he's entitled to go well. His Nibs' has run only five times but the overall level of his form means his handicap mark looks about right. Mister Billyboy had a tough task conceding a lot of weight to Vanormix last time but, again, can't really complain about his rating. Quedex's form is hardly spectacular and he has been beaten in a seller too. The other course and distance winner, Mane Frame, has shown little since winning over course and distance a year ago. However, it would not be the biggest surprise to see him competitive in a race that lacks overall strength. Zilarator has solid novice form although all of his wins have come on soft going. Jalons Star's sole jumping win came at Sedgefield last March on soft ground from a mark of 101, and he's a pound lower in the handicap on Friday. With the going in his favour, Ennel Boy can defy the handicapper but it would be no surprise to see Mane Frame and Dungarvans Choice go well.
