tracked winner, 4 lengths down when plunged and unseated rider 3 out
appeared to make all, hit 4th and 4 out, left well clear next, unchallenged (2nd fence in home straight omitted, 11 fences jumped instead of usual 13)
held up in 4t, closer on inside when left 2nd 3 out, no chance with winner, weakened into remote 3rd between last two
raced wide tracking leaders, went remote 2nd between last two, no chance with winner
All of these make their debuts over the larger obstacles. Couldbeaweapon has won over timber but hasn’t run since April and GARDENER is preferred. The latter is a novice hurdle winner and having switched to Olly Murphy’s in-form yard after returning a losing favourite on his reappearance, he gets the vote. Arlo ran well in maiden company on his return to action while Secret Plan’s brother won over fences and he may improve.
Couldbeaweapon (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Close up, pushed along before 5th, hit 4 out and reminders, soon tailed off, last of 5, 32 1/4l behind Benassi (12-5) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) sft in Apr.
Gardener (FR) 5-2fav (11-2) Disputed early, headed after 1st but remained close up, dropped to midfield 5th, struggling before 3 out, gradually weakened, 10th of 11, 24 3/4l behind Russian Virtue (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Arlo (FR) 15-2 (11-4) Midfield, shaken up between horses approaching 2 out, ridden before last, went third run-in, kept on, 3rd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Tommy Time (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Oct.
Secret Plan (IRE) 11-2 (11-5) Towards rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 9, 19 1/4l behind Wot You Wearing (10-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
