Held up in rear early, good jump 1st and soon improved, 4th from 2nd, 3rd 3 out, soon pushed along and no impression on leaders, kept on same pace from last op 7/2 tchd 17/2
Settled behind leaders early, soon held up in 5th, dropped to 6th halfway, ridden and no impression 4 out, moderate 5th 3 out, kept on one pace op 66/1
Good Thyne Tara (8/13), Woodland Opera (4/1), Arctic Fire (8/1), Flaxen Flare (8/1), Antimatter (33/1), Lieutenant Colonel (33/1), Samsara (66/1)
Former Champion Hurdle runner-up ARCTIC FIRE would dismiss these rivals with contempt should he retain the majority of his ability. We haven't seen him for a while but he is only nine-years-old and gets the nod to prove his well-being. Woodland Opera is a useful chaser not without hopes over the smaller obstacles while Flaxen Flare will be dangerous if given a handy time in front. Good Thyne Tara is in form and not one to bypass for connections.