led to 3 out, weakening in 3rd when mistake 2 out, relegated to 4th close home
held up in 4th, challenged after 4 out, led 3 out, soon headed, stayed pressing, idled flat, driven to lead last strides
tracked leaders, outpaced after 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, took modest 3rd close home
pressed leader, challenged 4 out, led after 3 out, soon ridden, headed last strides
held up, mistake 7th, lost touch from next, not fluent after, tailed off
This fascinating race could go the way of Mahogany Blaze but Oslot is sure to have plenty of supporters whilst Enlightenment and Oceanos Des Obeaux are not without chances. The selection was staying on from off the pace when falling three out in the Maghull at Aintre but his jumping has been impressive throughout the season and he may be able to gain a deserved success back at this level. Paddy Brennan will need to be tactically astute as he wouldn't want to set the race up for his opponents aboard his mount who often makes the running. Oslot is progressing well, he beat Lead On in a Grade 2 contest at Kempton in February when two of his main challengers fell close to home but confirmed himself as a horse on the up when beating Jewson third Possol on his latest start. This is his first attempt at this trip over fences and there must be a chance that Mahogany Blaze will have too much speed for him. Enlightenment ran better than his finishing position suggests in the Grand Annual but the form of his stable is a cause for concern, Oceanos Des Obeaux would appear to have live claima at the weights but there's a chance that his rating flatters him. An intriguing affair in which we fancy Mahogany Blaze to get back on track.
Enlightenment (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) In touch, hit 3rd, not fluent 6th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 13th of 17, 45l behind Tiger Cry (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Mahogany Blaze (FR) 9-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, not fluent 6th, headway 8th, close 4th when fell 3 out in race won by Tidal Bay (11-4) at Aintree 2m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gd, 8 ran.
Oceanos des Obeaux (FR) 9-4 (11-8) Chased leader, ridden 9th, ridden and chased winner approaching 4 out, kept on one pace from 3 out, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Keepthedreamalive (10-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Mar.
Oslot (FR) 10-11jt-fav (11-6) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 9th, challenged 4 out, ridden after 3 out, led last, driven out, won at Southwell 2m 4f nov chs (2) gf beating Possol (11-3) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Grand Silence (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) 2nd until left in lead app 4 out; hdd & wknd app last, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Supa Tramp (11-7) at Charing 2m 4f ptp gd in Mar.
