tracked leader, fell 7th
led, ridden before 3 out, hit and headed 2 out, one pace when hit last, no chance with winner
tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd at the 7th, joined leader 3 out, led next, quickened clear before last, eased towards finish
in rear in 4th and mistakes, left 3rd at 7th, never dangerous
Only four runners in this but a fascinating contest nevertheless. Glenwood Knight won over 3m at Uttoxeter last month and is on the upgrade. He makes more appeal than the other penalised runner Knockavilla, who is more exposed and was readily brushed aside over 2m here on his latest start in October. Sir Tantallus Hawk won four times over hurdles and has the size which suggests he can make a successful transition to the larger obstacles, but ALFIE SHERRIN was the best of these over timber and is fancied to open his account over fences here. Jonjo O'Neill's eight-year-old was given a nice introduction to chasing behind Wymott at Bangor in November and is the principal reason AP McCoy has made the trip north.
Glenwood Knight (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Led from 2nd, made rest, pecked 11th, clear from 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec beating Not So Prudent (11-0) by 9l, 5 ran.
Knockavilla (IRE) 15-8 (11-9) Led until 1st, prominent, jumped right and bumped 7th, led after 9th, headed 4 out, weakened after 3 out, mistake last, 3rd of 5, 35l behind Gilbarry (11-2) at Wetherby 2m nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Alfie Sherrin 7-2 (11-2) Held up in rear but in touch, chased leaders after 3rd, effort 2 out, never able to challenge, 4th of 7, 17l behind Wymott (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Sir Tantallus Hawk 9-1 (11-12) In touch in rear, ridden 7th, behind from next, last of 6, well behind Keki Buku (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
