tracked leaders, lost place 9th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
held up in rear, headway on outside 4 out, went 2nd after 2 out, ridden and every chance last, edged left, no extra flat
with leader, led 6th, headed 2 out, ridden and one pace approaching last
made most to 6th, tracked leader, blundered 3 out, led again next, ridden and drifted right flat, kept on
chased leaders, outpaced after 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, ridden and outpaced 4 out, never on terms
held up, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous
Once A Brownie is taken to win this at the main expense of The Nomad and Loulou Nivernais. The selection showed some very smart bumper form over in Ireland, and has transferred that ability to hurdles with the minimum of fuss. His win at Fontwell back in November was no more than a canter round, and assuming that he jumps round over these bigger obstacles, he should have too much class for these. The Nomad shares top-weight with the selection but at 11-years-old he lacks the scope of the selection and although a course and distance winner, he is on a long losing streak so may just be hoping for more place money. Loulou Nivernais tackles this trip for the first rime in England and could just struggle for stamina, especially in these testing conditions. Sound Of Cheers is back on a winning mark, but he has looked out of love with the game recently so he also has to be passed over. Woodwish's light weight will help his cause, however the ex-French gelding appears to be average at best, so for the winner we will confidently return to Jonjo O'Neill's Once A Brownie.
The Nomad 13-2 (10-8) Led 2nd, hit 1st, headed approaching 7th, led again 8th, headed after 11th, left in lead 4 out, ridden and headed last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Jimmy Bond (10-11) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
Once A Brownie (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Mid-division, steady headway from 6th, led last, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Nov beating Speed Winner (11-0) by 5l, 13 ran.
Sound Of Cheers 3-1 (10-10) Held up, lost place 9th, 5th of 7, 32l behind Welcome To Unos (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.
Loulou Nivernais (FR) 5-2fav (11-0) Led, headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace approaching last, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Miss Pross (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Posh Stick 14-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, outpaced 9th, never dangerous after, 6th of 13, 19l behind Emerald Destiny (10-3) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Dec.
Lauderdale 7-1 (11-7) Led to 5th, pushed along 6th, weakened 5 out, 6th of 8, 28l behind Fearless Foursome (11-3) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Dec.
Woodwish (FR) 25-1 (10-7) Held up, always behind, 8th of 9, 28l behind Miss Pross (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
