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1
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5/6
10/11
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Came rapidly to the fore returned to hurdles last season, crowning his achievements with victory in this race, and he has emphasised his domination of the staying division at Newbury this term, typically looking in trouble before coming back on the bridle and readily holding Karabak in the Long Walk in December; has his quirks but hard to argue with record of six straight wins and ground will not be a problem.
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6
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15/2
7/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Not the most fluent of jumpers but has climbed steadily up the ladder, beating all except Mikael D'Haguenet in the 2m5f novice here last March and progressed again to chase home Zaynar at Ascot and Big Buck's at Newbury this term (giving both those rivals start); could have more to offer and arguably the most likely to cause an upset.
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12
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17/2
7/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Ruled the roost in 2m novice chases two seasons ago, winning the Arkle here, but not go on quite as hoped over fences (always prone to mistakes; tried in cheekpieces); reinvented himself as a hurdler when quickening clear of Time For Rupert and Katchit over C&D in January; often criticised because of awkward head carriage but can get in money for triple-winning Inglis Drever team.
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11
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14/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Failed to perform at the last two festivals but proved himself on the course with a cheeky win over Katchit in race set up for him on New Year's Day; goes particularly well fresh and is suited by decent ground but going half a mile into unknown territory and good deal more asked of him back up at top level.
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7
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16/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Back to the scene of his finest hours in the 2007 Triumph and 2008 Champion but has failed to win in eight starts since the latter race; seemed to stay 3m well enough behind Tidal Bay here in January, quicker ground should show him in a better light and peaks in spring but minor role likely.
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13
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22/1
14/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
One of the least exposed, proved himself on a sound surface at Aintree last spring and continued on an upward curve here this winter, following handicap win with career-best second to Tidal Bay (received 4lb); trainer believes there is more to come and there is some value in him each-way.
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14
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25/1
22/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
2006 Gold Cup winner has found life more difficult over fences in recent times but new lease of life back hurdling with cheekpieces fitted of late, jumping slickly in front; no problem with the quicker ground but asked a much stiffer question at this level.
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3
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25/1
28/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Star bumper performer two seasons ago; showed high-class form but held back by lack of fluency jumping hurdles as a novice last season and has not come up to scratch over fences this time round (lacked confidence last time); should stay further than 2m4f but facing tall order back hurdling.
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10
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40/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Picked up place money at three previous Cheltenham festivals, the latest when well-beaten third to Big Buck's last year; not in quite the same form this time round and plenty to find on figures.
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8
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Maintained rapid progress with step up to 3m this season, scoring comfortably off 138 under confident ride in competitive handicap at Newbury in November; dismal effort behind Tidal Bay upped in class when favourite here in January too bad to be true but needs to bounce back and then take another significant leap forward.
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2
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66/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Stays 3m and a little surprising he has not raced at the trip since fading to finish fifth in the Albert Bartlett here last year; has run well in defeat behind top-class rivals at 2m/2m4f this season but again looks to be biting off more than he can chew.
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5
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Fair Along |
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170 |
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Flint, R/
Hobbs, P
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(47)
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Form: 93-7157 Age: 8 Weight: 11-10 |
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Spotlight
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50/1
66/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Fine course record and, although below par the last twice, can usually be relied upon to run his race; fully exposed, however, and will do well to make the frame.
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4
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66/1
80/1
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Not far behind the best of last season's juveniles, kicking on in front when running out two out in the Triumph; found things tougher this time around, one-paced at about 2m and tried in blinkers; given good tactical ride when upsetting odds-on favourite at Naas (2m3f) but poor behind War Of Attrition latest and stamina to prove.
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9
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Susp.
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Spotlight :
Improved last spring and maintained his progress this season, winning a Grade 1 over 2m4f at Fairyhouse and a good second to Powerstation on disadvantageous terms at Leopardstown returned to 3m; failed to give his running when odds-on behind War Of Attrition latest; needs to bounce back and this looks much harder.
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Favourite
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Susp.
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2nd Favourite
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Susp.
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1/4 Odds 3
Places
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