jumped right, tracked leaders, bumped 5th, weakened after next, tailed off
held up off the pace, headway when bumped 5th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up in rear, took keen hold, headway after 4th, chased winner after 3 out, no impression when hit 2 out, hit last
held up off the pace, behind 6th, went modest 4th after 3 out, never on terms
held up in rear, some headway 6th, soon weakened, tailed off
in rear, hampered 2nd, hit 3td, tailed off next
made all, jumped right, hit 2nd, clear 2 out, ran on well
tracked winner, jumped right, mistake 3rd, lost 2nd after next, weakened approaching 6th, tailed off
tracked leaders, jumped right, not fluent 3rd, chased winner after next until after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
The fast ground may prove to be an issue for Backfromthebrink, but it may better suit OVER THE HILL, who is selected. Nigel Twiston-Davies has his string in tip-top form and this gelding has plenty of fast ground influence on the sire's side of his pedigree. He was seen out this time last year in a couple of novices' hurdles but his been given another year to strengthen up, and he is likely to know far more about the job today, so we will chance him. Flichity will be popular after going well enough before falling at Bangor, but at the likely price it wouldn't do to get carried away with that. Alarming Alacrity has a lovely National Hunt pedigree and is of interest on his hurdling debut for a trainer who can ready them to win first time. Bumper winner Littledean Jimmy is another to note.
Alarming Alacrity (IRE) 22-1 (10-12) Chased leader 2f, close up until pushed along 4f out, soon lost place, 13th of 14, 18l behind Behindcloseddoors (10-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f 3yo nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Backfromthebrink (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, staying on when hampered 2nd last, never able to challenge, 3rd of 11, 20l behind Sophies Trophy (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Mar.
Flichity (IRE) 11-1 (10-9) Raced keenly, held up in rear, headway to dispute 2nd 3 out until next, soon ridden, 6 lengths 3rd and one pace when mistake, slipped and fell last, in a race won by Vertige Dore (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Aug, 4 ran.
Littledean Jimmy (IRE) 6-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, close up, pushed along 3f out, challenged between horses and led inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Stratford 2m NH flat (5) gf beating Music In The Air (10-7) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Magical Maybe (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division after 1st, 11th approaching 3 out, 15th of 16, well behind Alfie Spinner (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) hvy in Dec.
Mr Demister 80-1 (10-7) Jumped left 1st, always in rear, tailed off 5th, 6th of 10, well behind Rudanphast (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
My Brother Sylvest 8-1 (10-6) On inside, headed 5f out, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 15, well behind Dare Me (11-11) at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) gs in Feb.
Over The Hill 40-1 (10-12) In touch, chased winner after 5th until approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 16, 44l behind Rebel Du Maquis (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
La Chemme 33-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, weakened 3f out, tailed off, 7th of 13, well behind Mossley (10-13) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gd in Jun.
Reg's Ruby 100-1 (10-6) Took keen hold, prominent, not fluent 2nd, lost place approaching 3 out, 8th of 11, 21l behind Sircozy (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Aug.
