tracked leaders in rear, hit 6 out, took closer order on inner approaching 4 out, led after 2 out, kept on, driven out
led and keen, pressed from 4 out, ridden before 2 out, headed soon after, no extra from last
tracked leader, hit 3rd, joined leader 6 out, every chance when hit 3 out, ridden and every chance last, kept on
Nonrunner
NAFAATH made a highly encouraging debut over fences when only going down by a nose to Wind Shuffle at Ayr last month. The five-year-old's jumping should improve with experience and he's probably the one to beat here getting 9lb from the other three. Gilbarry didn't run badly under a penalty at Bangor last time after winning at Wetherby - he'll appreciate the step up in distance and has far more scope than Film Festival. Divers was biting off more than he could chew at Cheltenham in November but, like Film Festival, should strip fitter for a recent run in a jumpers' bumper on the all-weather and has won around here over hurdles.
Divers (FR) 33-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway 8f out, ridden 5f out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 23l behind Recession Proof (11-0) at Southwell 2m Nat Hunt Flat (4yo+) (AWT) (4) std in Dec.
Film Festival (USA) 20-1 (10-11) Led, ridden and headed 4f out, weakened well over 1f out, 7th of 11, 18l behind Palomar (11-0) at Southwell 2m Nat Hunt Flat (5yo+) (AWT) (4) std in Dec.
Nafaath (IRE) 11-8fav (10-10) Pressed winner virtually throughout, blundered 8th, ridden 2 out, stayed on gamely and every chance, just failed, 2nd of 5, ns behind Wind Shuffle (11-0) at Ayr 2m nov chs (4) gd in Jan.
Gilbarry (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased winner when blundered 9th, soon ridden, not fluent 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 16l behind Dan Breen (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
