chased leaders to 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, led 2 out, driven out
in touch, mistake 8th, ridden after 9th, weakened 3 out
mid-division, lost place 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 1st, led again 5th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened flat
held up, keen, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, every chance from last, ran on
led 1st to 5th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
hampered 1st, mistake 2nd, always towards rear
prominent, mistake, unseated rider 1st
behind, hit 4th, soon pulled up
behind, headway 6th, weakened 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 8th, mistake 9th, soon weakened
Hoh Viss, L'Antartique and Heez a Dreamer are the three to look at here and Hoh Viss can make a winning re-appearance. Heez a Dreamer hails from the bang in form Venetia Williams camp and his debut run, finishing a close second at Bangor, was an excellent effort. Tony McCoy is a noteworthy jockey booking. Hoh Viss was the highest rated of these over hurdles and it is worth remembering that he scored first time out last season. He went on to two further successes and looks the one to beat here. Dual hurdling scorer L'Antartique ran well for a long way at Aintree, tiring from the second last on his fencing bow behind the classy Turko, fading to finish fourth. He will come on for the run but is taken on. Hoh Viss can make a winning return.
Battlefield 100-1 (10-5) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, 10th of 15, well behind Nevertika (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Heez A Dreamer (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 10th, every chance 2 out, not quicken run-in, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Mr Pointment (11-0) at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd.
Hoh Viss 11-4fav (11-3) Behind, some headway 9th, never dangerous, 5th of 14, well behind Dom d'Orgeval (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) hvy in Feb.
Just For Now (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Led to 3 out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd next, 4th and beaten when blundered last, 4th of 7, 20l behind Super Lord (10-12) at Windsor 3m nov hdl (E) gd in Nov '05.
Kilty Storm (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) In touch, led briefly 10th, pecked 12th, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 36l behind Mr Pointment (11-0) at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd.
L'Antartique (FR) 10-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, weakened 2 out, 4th of 6, 34l behind Turko (10-5) at Aintree 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Le Rochelais (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 6th, chased leader 9th, jumped right 4 out, went 2nd again 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Chilling Place (11-6) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Apr.
Little Villain (IRE) 9-1 (10-2) Held up, mistake 11th, ridden and headway after 4th, every chance 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 20l behind Kilbeggan Blade (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov chs (4) gs.
Major Catch (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) Prominent and keen, led 8th to 9th, weakened 2 out, 4th of 9, 13l behind Kildonnan (11-9) at Warwick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Mr Eye Popper (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Prominent until pecked 6th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Like A Lord (10-12) at Worcester 3m nov hdl (E) gf in Jun '05, 16 ran.
Always Waining (IRE) 25-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened close home, 4th of 16, 8l behind Desert Tommy (10-1) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl (2) gs in Oct.
Kayceecee (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, 4th of 6, 48l behind Percussionist (11-6) at Wetherby 2m nov chs (4) sft in Oct.
