raced keenly, tracked sole rival, effort 3 out, ridden to challenge between last 2, every chance when pecked last, led briefly flat, no extra towards finish
led, driven and jumped left from 4 out, hard pressed between last 2, narrow advantage when jumped left and mistake last, soon ridden, rallied when headed briefly flat, kept on towards finish
Jumping like an old hand, ROYAL CHARM barely came off the bridle in beating Carrickboy by 22 lengths on his chasing bow over a shorter trip here last month. He looks poised to take high rank among this season's novice chasers and can successfully give away weight to Tarablaze, who might need more time and a more searching test of stamina judged on his third to Wymott at Bangor. Fences may well suit Hidden Keel in time but he is taking on a couple of smart prospects on his first tilt at the larger obstacles.
Hidden Keel 14-1 (11-3) Raced wide in touch, ridden before 3 out, plugged on to modest 4th after last, 4th of 17, 19l behind Grands Crus (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Nov.
Tarablaze (IRE) 2-1fav (11-2) In rear but in touch, took keen hold, headway to chase leaders halfway, ridden and effort 2 out, weakened after last, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Wymott (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Nov.
Royal Charm (FR) 8-13fav (11-1) Jumped really well, led 3rd, drew clear from 8th, very easily, won at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Carrickboy (11-1) by 22l, 7 ran.
