Thenorthernlights ran in a tough Cheltenham bumper on his debut under Rules and better is expected at this level. Western Harmony and Barrabooka have winning form between the flags and are worth considering debuting under Rules while Barlovento’s dam scored over hurdles. But fellow newcomer SUPER SAINT represents Paul Nicholls, who has won two of the three renewals of this, and cost €135,000 as the half-brother to a useful hurdler.
Backbyjet (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Held up in last, ridden along halfway, lost touch over 4f out, soon tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Brechin Castle (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (5) sft in Oct.
Barlovento (IRE) Soldier Of Fortune gelding out of Playhara.
Barrabooka (IRE) 5-2 (12-2) Tr ldrs, 4th 5out, prog tp 2nd aftr 3out, jnd ldr well bef 2out, ld last, rdn & ko best to line, won at Carrigarostig 3m mdn sft in Jan beating Milan Ac (12-2) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Grand Geste (IRE) 66-1 (11-1) Towards rear, pushed along and lost touch over 2f out, 7th of 9, 18 1/2l behind Minella Rescue (11-9) at Warwick 2m (5) gd in Oct.
Jax Junior Jack Hobbs gelding out of Double Storm.
Super Saint (FR) Saint Des Saints gelding out of La Champmesle.
The Northernlights (IRE) 66-1 (11-1) Off the pace towards rear, plugging on when not clear run over 1f out, never dangerous, 5th of 15, 18 3/4l behind The Kemble Brewery (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m (2) gs in Oct.
Western Harmony (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, 5l 4th aftr 3out, 4l 3rd bef last, qcknd on outer flat to ld 50 yards out, kow, snugly, won at Ballindenisk 3m mdn Yielding in May beating Village Master (11-11) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
