made all, hard driven 2 out, soon strongly challenged, stayed on gamely closing stages
held up in rear but in touch, outpaced after 4 out, rallied after next, no extra flat
tracked leader, keen, ridden to challenge 2 out, every chance last, kept on well under pressure
tracked leader, mistakes 5th and 7th, lost place after 3 out, rallied closing stages, never a threat
held up in touch, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, stayed on well from last
Non Runner
Duke Des Champs was impressive over a slightly longer trip here last month and is on an upward curve. But he was readily brushed aside by YALA ENKI at Exeter in November and the pair renew hostilities on identical terms. Venetia Williams' charge reverts to novice company here having acquitted himself well in some tough handicap lately, including when only beaten a length in a Grade 3 at Sandown two weeks ago. Newbury winner Premier Bond steps up in distance while Big Chief Benny only won a maiden at Doncaster last month but the well-bred Mr Mix could be interesting following an effortless first victory at Taunton. Aloomomo has been going great guns over fences but has never won over hurdles, though runs in this rather than the handicap later in the day.
Yala Enki (FR) 7-2fav (11-0) Led, clear until before 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, headed before last, stayed on gamely flat, held final 75 yards, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Saddlers Encore (10-5) at Sandown 2m 7f hcp (1) sft in Feb.
Big Chief Benny (IRE) 2-1fav (11-5) Mid-division, headway before 3 out, led before last, edged right run-in, kept on well, won at Doncaster 2m 4f mdn (5) gs in Jan beating Cottersrock (11-5) by 2l, 21 ran.
Mr Mix (FR) 5-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 5th, led before 2 out, clear approaching last, edged left and ran green flat, comfortably, won at Taunton 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan beating Mountain Eagle (11-2) by 17l, 9 ran.
Premier Bond 10-11fav (11-0) With leader, driven to lead narrowly approaching 2 out, soon ridden, headed narrowly last, regained lead flat, stayed on well, drew clear final 100 yards, won at Newbury 2m (4) sft in Dec beating William H Bonney (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Aloomomo (FR) 5-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway chasing leaders 10th, 2nd 4 out, led before 3 out, clear 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Nov beating O Maonlai (11-9) by 9l, 16 ran.
Duke Des Champs (IRE) 10-11fav (11-8) Held up in touch, headway to track leaders 6th, led approaching 2 out, quickened clear approaching last, eased closing stages, impressive, won at Ascot 2m 6f (3) sft in Jan beating Western Cape (11-12) by 14l, 10 ran.
