made most, clear 4 out, easily
in touch, lost place 12th, blundered next, soon well behind
held up, left moderate 2nd 14th, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, not fluent, weakened 4 out, tailed off and pulled up before next
prominent, every chance when fell 14th
CANNON FIRE has got a string of seconds to his name but can finally get his head in front, while both Mr Barnacle and Black Anshan worth noting. The selection has finished second in his last three races and was a beaten favourite in the last two of those over fences. He has jumped well on the whole but can be a little one paced in the closing stages. That said this does look like his easiest opportunity to date so with a clear round he is difficult to oppose. Mr Barnacle won a novice hurdle at Hexham last May in testing conditions but disappointed in two chase runs thereafter in the autumn. He comes here after having had the winter off and will possibly be best watched for the time being. Black Anshan has not been seen since September last year but comes from a yard that are doing well at present. He has showed ability in a number races in his short career so far winning back to back hurdle races last summer when trained by David Pipe. Now in the hands of Charlie Mann who has his string in such good order he warrants respect. This looks a race which will not take much winning and Cannon Fire has the form behind him to win his first chase.
Black Anshan (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) In touch, reminder after 5th, lost place 10th, behind when mistake 12th, mistake 14th, pulled up before 15th, in a race won by Quattrocento (10-7) at Southwell 3m beg chs (4) gf in Sep, 12 ran.
Cannon Fire (FR) 5-2fav (11-11) Pressed leader, led narrowly 14th, ridden and headed between last 2, one pace and held flat, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Victree (9-10) at Plumpton 3m 2f 5yo nov hcp (4) gf.
Dunkelly Castle (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) In touch, went 2nd briefly 7th, not fluent 9th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 13, 24l behind Double Hit (10-7) at Bangor 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Faithful Dancer (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, moderate 5th halfway, moderate 4th 5 out, left remote 3rd entering straight, no impression, 3rd of 7, well behind Aggie's Lad (11-10) at Killarney 2m 6f nov chs gf.
Joe's A Boy (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out, 11th of 15, 46l behind Dreamy Sweeney (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Mr Barnacle (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Towards rear, mistakes, weakened approaching 12th, 6th of 10, 12l behind Doc Row (10-5) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov.
