with leader, led 7 out, headed 5 out, outpaced from 4 out
tracked leaders and in touch, pushed along before 3 out, soon outpaced
led to 7 out, led again 5 out, headed 3 out, kept on and no chance with winner
in rear and in touch, went 2nd before 4 out on bit, led 3 out, clear before last, easily
NonRunner
King's Odyssey confirmed the long-held belief that he was always going to be a classy chaser when landing a novice chase and a competitive Cheltenham handicap last season in some style. His yard has struck form of late and softening of conditions will favour him greatly. He may well prove good enough to score first time up but there has to be a concern over his absence since that Cheltenham victory last January. Doctor Phoenix, Pain Au Chocolat and Hollywoodien all look chasers with potential but CLOUDY DREAM is greatly favoured by race conditions and can make the most of a significant allowance of 11lb from his four rivals. His yard remains in stellar form and he travelled and jumped really well around Carlisle on his chasing debut last month. Guaranteed fitness allied to that major weight allowance can prove decisive.
Hollywoodien (FR) 9-4 (10-11) Tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, led 4th, headed after next, led 6th until 8th, led 4 out, headed narrowly after 3 out, led 2 out, not fluent last, driven out, won at Warwick 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr beating Jayo Time (11-1) by 3 1/2l, 3 ran.
King's Odyssey (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) In touch, joined leader 4 out (usual 5 out), led 2 out (usual 3 out), ridden approaching omitted last, held on towards finish (4 fences omitted), won at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (2) hvy in Jan beating Waldorf Salad (10-1) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
Pain Au Chocolat (FR) 10-1 (10-6) Chased leaders on outside, outpaced before 4 out, no impression, 6th of 8, 19 3/4l behind Sir Valentino (10-8) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (1) gd in Nov.
Cloudy Dream (IRE) 8-15fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd and in rear, went 2nd before 4th, led 2 out, easily, won at Carlisle 2m (4) sft in Oct beating Chidswell (11-2) by 3l, 3 ran.
Doctor Phoenix (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway under pressure before 3 out, no impression, 5th of 11, 20l behind Indian Temple (10-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
