chased sole rival, not fluent 8th, hit 10th, every chance 4 out, soon given reminder and beaten, well held when not fluent 2 out
made all from sole rival, took off early at the 8th but got away with it, joined 4 out, clear after 3 out, comfortably
NonRunner
Vision Des Flos, a Grade 2 winner over hurdles, was highly tried on his chasing bow at Newbury and well beaten. It is also a worry that he reportedly finished lame so he has a bit to prove now and won't be much of a price. Royale Pagaille was 0-6 over fences in France but was second in a Listed contest at Auteuil in October and Venetia Williams does well with her French imports. NEWTIDE has to carry a penalty but was progressive over hurdles last season and not hard pressed to beat two rivals at Ffos Las on his debut over fences. If he can turn this into a test of stamina, he could take some catching.
Royale Pagaille (FR) (10-7) 2nd of 11, 12l behind Blasimon (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 6f lst sft in Oct.
Vision Des Flos (FR) 5-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, held up in last pair, left in 4th place 1st, slight mistake 5 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 6, 8 1/2l behind Champ (11-1) at Newbury 2m 4f (1) gs in Nov.
Newtide (IRE) 5-6fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led 2nd to after 9th, led again 12th, went right next, not fluent 3 out, soon clear, driven out, readily, won at Ffos Las 3m (3) sft in Nov beating Secret Reprieve (11-3) by 2 1/2l, 3 ran.
