tracked leading pair, went 2nd 3 out, ridden 4 lengths clear at last, tired flat, held on all out near finish
led, ridden and hit 2 out, soon headed, driven and no impression approaching last, tired and lost 2nd flat
raced wide, tracked leader, hit 7th, lost 2nd 3 out, weakened after next, tailed off
held up in 4th, driven along and no response approaching 2 out, stayed on approaching last, went 2nd flat and closed as winner tired towards finish, just held
Temoin is fancied to spoil the party for last year's winner The French Furze, while Flight Leader is rated a big danger now that he has proved he likes nothing more than to get into a good scrap in his races. The connections of Milligan can simply enjoy their day out at Cheltenham. Flight Leader has been a good servant to Colin Tizzard during his light career and the six-year-old may still have plenty left to offer. He will be suited by the underfoot conditions and should make a bold bid. However, he has to contend with an 8lb penalty for his grade 2 success here last month and faces a tough ask over a trip that may be a touch sharp for him. The French Furze has been a joy to watch over the years and it is testament to his constitution that he make his 76th start under racing rules today. The Nicky Richards-trained gelding owes nobody anything and he would raise the roof should he manage to repeat his success of twelve months ago. However, Temoin is a very progressive individual and, having confirmed that he is on the upgrade by finishing a close up third behind Mighty Man in the Long Walk Hurdle last month, he is hard to oppose today. Especially considering that he would be giving weight away to all his rivals if this were a handicap.
Flight Leader (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on strongly, won at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Dec beating Labelthou (11-0) by 9l, 8 ran.
The French Furze (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Led, hit 4th, headed 3 out, ridden and kept on from next, 3rd of 9, 6l behind Straw Bear (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Nov.
Milligan (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Led until after 1st, tracked leader to 6th, chased leaders, weakened after last, 5th of 12, 15l behind Vicario (11-10) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Dec.
Temoin 33-1 (11-7) Held up, headway approaching 11th, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Mighty Man (11-7) at Ascot 3m 1f hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
