led, headed after 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led after 4 out, kept on, driven out
in rear, headway 4 out, chased winner before 3 out, kept on and always held run-in
tracked leaders, lost place halfway and dropped into rear, weakened from 8th, pulled up
tracked leader, weakened before 2 out
The mare KALANE, denied a run at Ludlow yesterday, won on her chasing debut at Huntingdon and had every chance when falling in a Listed race at Doncaster next time having been well backed. If that tumble hasn't affected her confidence, she looks the pick of the weights in this. Ballyalton hasn't really taken to fences so far but Aso has been unlucky to come up against some useful novices in his three runs to date and should be winning soon. Straidnahanna is thoroughly exposed but has some decent form to his name, though is giving a lot of weight to his rivals. Buche De Noel is only five but has already won twice over fences at a decent level in France and is no forlorn hope.
Straidnahanna (IRE) 10-3fav (10-7) With winner, ridden before 3 out, weakened before last, 4th of 10, 19 3/4l behind Sego Success (11-1) at Doncaster 3m hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Aso (FR) 8-13fav (10-12) Led, jumped slowly throughout, headed 7th, rallied after 3 out, kept on well closing stages, never reached winner, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Pain Au Chocolat (10-7) at Haydock 2m (2) hvy in Dec.
Ballyalton (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Disputed lead to 10th (water), chased leaders, lost place 3 out, weakened next, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind More Of That (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gs in Nov.
Buche De Noel (FR) 10-11fav (10-10) won at Auteuil 2m 2f sft in Nov beating Aguicheuse (11-0) by 5l, 7 ran.
Kalane (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Chased leader, jumped right 3rd, outpaced and disputing just over 3 lengths 3rd when fell 4 out, at Doncaster 2m 5f lst (1) gs in Dec.
