took keen hold, held up in 4th, left in 3rd place 1st, went 2nd 6th, led on bit 2 out, soon clear, unextended
tracked leading pair, left in 2nd place 1st, dropped to 3rd 6th, pushed along after 3 out, stayed on into 2nd run-in, no chance with very easy winner
jumped left, led, pushed along after 4 out, headed 2 out, no chance with very easy winner, weakened into 3rd run-in
tracked leader, sprawled on landing rider lost iron and pulled up after 1st
Nonrunner
OLD GUARD won first-time up last season and made giant strides over hurdles thereafter. He's not been seen since finishing fourth in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day but should have too much class for these and can complete a quick double for trainer and jockey. After Eight Sivola has more than 30lb to find with the selection on hurdle ratings but it will be a surprise if he doesn't pick up a race or two this winter on the minor tracks. Softer ground would have better suited Bladoun but he's still preferred to the exposed Indian Rupee and Oscars Way.
After Eight Sivola (FR) 4-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, challenged after 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, no impression before last, 7th of 11, 18 3/4l behind Here's Herbie (11-1) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Bladoun (FR) 9-4 (11-12) Led until 5th, chased winner until well before 2 out, outpaced in 3rd before 2 out, weakened into 4th run-in, 4th of 5, 30l behind Generous Pet (10-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Indian Rupee (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Led, hard pressed 2 out, soon ridden, headed narrowly last, kept on until no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Roadie Joe (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep.
Old Guard 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced soon after 3 out, 4th of 5, 12 1/4l behind Faugheen (11-7) at Kempton 2m (1) gs in Dec.
Oscars Way (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Jumped right, not fluent and well behind from 2nd, several slow jumps when tailed off after, last of 3, dist behind Marracudja (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m (4) gd in Sep.
