always behind, reminders approaching 2nd, detached when pulled up before 5th
held up, behind, pushed on after 4th, headway approaching 4 out, kept on onepaced from 2 out, never dangerous
mid-division, headway approaching 6th, hit next, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on to take 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
close up, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
held up, headway on bit 4 out, ridden next, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on well flat
towards rear, reminders after 4th, tailed off from 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 6th, led narrowly approaching 3 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, no extra flat
held up in touch, took closer order after 4th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, pulled out before next
prominent, ridden to lead briefly approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching next
mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and behind from 4 out, pulled up before next
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, fell when beaten 2 out
with leaders, weakened from 5 out, tailed off and pulled up before last
Paris Pike is quite hard to assess here, reverting to hurdles. He was top class at his best over fences but appeared to have lost his confidence over the larger obstacles. He is potentially on a very lenient mark over timber, but it may just be best to ignore him until he shows signs of his old self. Otherwise, this is a very competitive race. Orchard Fields has a chance on the form he showed when winning at Leicester on his hurdling debut, and there may be valid excuses for his two latest efforts, in that first the ground and then the trip were against him. Magic Waters would have fair claims on his best form, but has been poor in three starts this season and is best watched. Militaire won on much softer ground last time and may not be as effective on this faster surface, which Maceo certainly will and is one for the shortlist. Cash For Questions is capable of improving on his win at Doncaster last time, but preference goes to Noel's Pride. A model of consistency, he remains on a fair mark and was returning from a seven week absence when third at Musselburgh last time. He was in good form in the Autumn and the break will have freshened him up.