jumped well, made all, hung right from 2 out, drew clear after last, easily
chased winner, mistake 2nd, blundered and unseated rider next
left chasing winner from 3rd, looked dangerous approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, no extra and well held from last
took keen hold, tracked leaders, disputing 2 lengths 2nd when fell 12th
Although it never attracts that many horses, this is the smallest field for a renewal since 2000 when Serenus won for Nicky Henderson. Along with Paul Nicholls and Venetia Williams, those trainers have dominated the race however a changing of the guard is imminent here as OUZBECK is taken to win for Alan King. The ground is key for the selection as he needs it as quick as possible. He was still in fourth when falling last time in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on ground too soft for him, but he is taken to bounce back today on a track that should suit. Connections have done well to somehow conserve his Novice status this year and he could prove hard to beat. Herescomesthetruth is rated 3lb inferior to the selection, but he is certainly progressive. He was perhaps a tad fortunate to beat Massini's Maguire (made mistakes) in the Scilly Isles but he is to be respected, despite a feeling that this quick, tight track may not suit completely. Au Courant travelled nicely last time but he had been a big drifter and then stopped quickly as if something was amiss; he needs to bounce back significantly from that. Premier Des Marais completes the line-up and he makes his chasing debut today. This looks a tough introduction however he was decent enough over hurdles and the yard have some good Novice chasers so it would not be a huge shock to see him go well. This does have the makings of a match-up however and Ouzbeck is taken to come home first.
Herecomesthetruth (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) Led, edged left on bend after 6th, headed next, led again 5 out, ridden 2 out, held on line, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Jan beating Massini's Maguire (11-4) by a ns, 5 ran.
Ouzbeck (FR) 10-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway after 11th, ridden to dispute 3rd 2 out, 4th and beaten when fell at the last in race won by Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov, 19 ran.
Au Courant (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, joined leaders 13th, 4 lengths 3rd and about to be ridden when pulled up 3 out in race won by Or Jaune (10-12) at Kempton 3m nov chs (3) sft in Jan, 7 ran.
Premier Des Marais (FR) 11-4fav (10-10) Took keen hold, held up, headway under pressure 3 out, soon pace, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Kicks For Free (11-12) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd.
