took keen hold, held up and always last, pushed along and struggling before 2 out, never involved
tracked leading pair, 2nd after 4th, led 12th, blundered 4 out, headed next, weakened approaching 2 out
confidently ridden, raced wide, waited with in last pair, smooth headway tracking leaders 10th, led on bit soon after 3 out, over 5 lengths ahead last, further clear run-in, very easily
led until 12th, chased leader, every chance when blundered 4 out, led again next, headed soon after 3 out, chased winner but no chance, lost 2nd and weakened before 2 out
chased leaders, slightly hampered 4 out, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, rallied into 3rd next, never any chance with winner, ridden and no extra between last 2
chased leaders on inside, outpaced before 11th, weakened next
chased leader until after 4th, chased leaders, not fluent 8th, 2nd again before 2 out, plugged on, no chance with winner
This looks wide-open, though the returning Russborough may struggle against race-fit rivals. Red Devil Star disappointed here last month after an earlier second at Sandown, though is closely matched with Crievehill on Lingfield running in November. Drumcliff made a winning start over fences at Wincanton and should go well off his new mark with Aine O’Connor taking off 3lb. He makes more appeal than Sandown scorer Chef D'Equipe, who may not appreciate the drop in trip off a 6lb higher mark. Flaming Charmer has never won off a mark this high but the handicapper is finally showing some mercy to UHLAN BUTE. The drop in distance is a slight worry but he could be in a position to pick up the pieces if they go off too quickly and will strip fitter for a recent run at Wincanton.
Chef D'Equipe (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Shade keen, patiently ridden, headway into mid-division 6th, chased leaders 8th, 3rd travelling well when squeezed up 3 out, 2nd between last 2, led soon after last, stayed on and always doing enough run-in, won at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Jan beating Masterplan (11-1) by nk, 11 ran.
Crievehill (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 7th, 2nd 4 out until went left 3 out, went left again 2 out and when 2nd again last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Clan Legend (11-6) at Haydock 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Drumcliff (IRE) 10-3jfav (11-7) Towards rear, mistake 2nd, headway before 4 out, ridden before 3 out, led last, kept on well, won at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Coeur Tantre (11-8) by 3 1/4l, 7 ran.
Flaming Charmer (IRE) 10-3 (11-5) Led until 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 4th of 5, 6 3/4l behind De Dollar Man (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Red Devil Star (IRE) 11-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, effort on inside before 2 out, soon one pace, weakened between last 2, 6th of 11, 20 1/4l behind Mr Medic (10-10) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Uhlan Bute (FR) 8-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, ridden before 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 4, 10 1/4l behind Kayf Adventure (11-3) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Russborough (FR) 12-1 (11-10) With leader and keen, blundered 10th, outpaced from 5 out, plugged on from 3 out, 4th of 6, 12l behind No No Mac (11-12) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (3) gd in May.
