led, ridden before 2 out, joined last, headed narrowly soon after, kept on, no extra and held towards finish
tracked front pair, not much room on inside entering home straight, went 2nd before 2 out, effort between last 2, upsides last, ridden to lead narrowly soon after, stayed on to assert towards finish
held up in 4th, mistake 1st, blundered next, dropped to rear 3rd, tailed off before 6th, soon pulled up
blundered 1st, tracked leader, not fluent 4 out, driven after next, ridden when lost place before 2 out, no chance with front pair after, tailed off
held up in rear, went 4th at 3rd, switched to race wide after 5th until before next, lost touch 7th, soon tailed off
Gala Ball can only improve on his second at Bangor and Gino Trail has finally got his act together. But the latter has to give 6lb to BUVEUR D’AIR, which looks a tall order. Nicky Henderson’s exciting novice was only beaten once over hurdles and won at the highest level. He made a smooth transition to fences when beating a previous winner at Haydock and should have too much for these. Alfiboy looks the pick of his trainer’s two runners but will find easier opportunities in the New Year.
Gino Trail (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Made all, 4 lengths clear from 3 out, stayed on well, won at Haydock 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Ut Majeur Aulmes (11-7) by 6l, 14 ran.
Buveur D'Air (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) Chased leaders, not fluent when closing 2 out, challenged last, soon led and quickened clear, won at Haydock 2m (2) sft in Dec beating Cloudy Dream (11-6) by 3 1/4l, 4 ran.
Alfiboy 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway before 2 out, chased winner before last, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 12, 9l behind Rock N Rhythm (11-5) at Kempton 2m (4) gd in May.
Gala Ball (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Pressed leader, led before 3rd, joined 2 out, ridden and headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 7, 5l behind A Hare Breath (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec.
What's Up Rory (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always last, tailed off 10th, last of 4, dist behind Buveur D'air (10-12) at Haydock 2m (2) sft in Dec.
