tracked leaders, outpaced 9th, kept on approaching 2 out, never able to challenge
led until 4th, led again before next, headed 9th, under pressure 4 out, kept on same pace from 2 out
tracked leader, led 4th, headed before next, led again 9th, clear 3 out, ran on strongly
Tinker Time and Notarfbad are vastly more experienced over fences than ASTRE DE LA COUR, having won seven times between them over the larger obstacles. But Robert Walford’s six-year-old would have been the best of the trio over hurdles and is receiving 7lb from his two rivals. He was highly tried in his only previous chase at Uttoxeter last year and may fare better second time around.
Tinker Time (IRE) 33-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, switched right and went 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 7l behind Minella Daddy (11-10) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Notarfbad (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Led to after 3rd, tracked leader, lost place after 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, dist behind Astracad (10-8) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Astre De La Cour (FR) 5-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, led after 1st until 2 out, ridden and no impression when lost 2nd before the last, weakened badly and lost two places run-in, 5th of 6, 20 1/4l behind Peter The Mayo Man (11-7) at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.