pulled hard, chased leader, led 3rd, hit 5th, still keen when hit next, ridden and joined 2 out, soon headed, no chance with winner when dropped to 3rd last, kept trying and pressed for 2nd close home
led at steady pace, headed 3rd, chased leader until after 3 out, weakened before 2 out
took keen hold, chased leading pair, still pulling when went 2nd soon after 3 out until before next, went 2nd again last, no chance with winner
chased leading trio, ridden and weakened before when blundered 2 out
held up last in steadily run race, went 3rd on inside after 3 out, quickened to challenge before 2 out, led soon after 2 out, ridden and in command before last, promising hurdling debut
Lifestyle's defeat of the odds-on Risaala at Leicester was achieved with the minimum of fuss and Nicky Henderson's mare is probably open to a little more improvement. The second has franked the form since but she is up against a very decent novice here in MEGASTAR, who split the smart Minella Class and Toubab when second in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle here last month having chased home Rock On Ruby at Newbury earlier. The others look out of their depth though it will be interesting to see how Topolski, a stayer on the Flat, gets on tackling hurdles for the first time.
Megastar 9-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, chased winner approaching 2 out, mistake at hurdle, went right and not fluent last, no impresison flat, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Minella Class (11-7) at Sandown 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) hvy in Jan.
Benozzo Gozzoli 100-1 (10-13) In touch, weakened 3 out, 5th of 13, 26l behind Gibb River (11-12) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Lifestyle 2-1 (11-2) Mid-division, hit 2nd, headway 4th, led after 3 out, hit next, clear last, easily (no time taken), won at Leicester 2m mares NH nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Risaala (11-1) by 12l, 9 ran.
Mighty Monty 33-1 (11-5) Behind, some late moderate headway, never a factor, tailed off, 8th of 14, 49l behind Accordintolawrence (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Topolski (IRE) 7-1 (9-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out, 12th of 14, 31l behind Lethal Glaze (9-4) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct (flat).
Russian Conquest 100-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, no chance when mistake 2 out, 11th of 18, 28l behind Furrows (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
