Verdict

Philip Hobbs will have been delighted with DUKE DES CHAMPS’ comeback run at Newbury as he only gave best approaching the final fence. He was a very good novice hurdler a couple of years ago and should outclass his two rivals if that effort hasn’t taken too much out of him, though Thomas Patrick has the size to make a chaser and was in good form over hurdles here in November when finishing well ahead of modest maiden All Kings.

Formwatch

All Kings (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Held up behind, driven to chase leaders 4 out, 3rd and ridden after next, stayed on to take modest 2nd flat, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Indy Five (11-5) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.

Duke Des Champs (IRE) 5-2 (11-3) Held up in 4th place, mistake 6th, outpaced 11th, rallied into 2nd after 13th, no extra last, 2nd of 4, 3 1/4l behind Rocklander (11-7) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.

Thomas Patrick (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Chased winner who was mostly always clear, lost 2nd from 3 out, 5th and fading badly last, last of 8, dist behind Top Ville Ben (11-12) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.