in touch until 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, pecked 7th, ridden to lead 2 out, driven out
led until after 4 out, ridden and one pace from 2 out
chased leader, led after 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace flat
held up, pushed along and mistake 8th, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway 7th, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
Imaginaire is given the benefit of the doubt in a tricky race, while Made In France and Jericho III can give him the most to think about. Cyborg De Sou also has a feasible chance at the weights but, as he does not have the most convincing profile over fences, he needs everything to go his way. His rider's 5lb claim can be of some assistance but he looks held on a strict reading of the level of his recent form. Jericho III enjoyed a fruitful spell at the start of this year and is respected on the pick of those efforts. However, he has been struggling with the handicapper of late and needs to drop further in the weights before he can confidently be forwarded. Made In France jumps well on his day and has fared well in good company in the past. Nevertheless, he did seem to lose his way towards the end of last season and now has something to prove. Therefore, it may be more rewarding to give another chance to Imaginaire, who is only 2lb higher than his last wining mark. It may simply be the case that Imaginaire needs more time to get his act together these days and he can make his third outing of the campaign a lucky one if he does himself justice today.
Made In France (FR) 11-4fav (10-10) Chased leaders to 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Ghadames (10-12) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs in May, 9 ran.
Nowator (POL) 33-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, led 4th, headed 7th, led again next, headed approaching 12th, soon weakened and pulled up 3 out in race won by Oso Magic (11-0) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Nov, 11 ran.
Jericho III (FR) 20-1 (10-8) Led to approaching 3 out, hung left and weakened before next, last of 8, 41l behind Island Faith (11-6) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Nov.
Mistral De La Cour (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened before next, last of 5, 36l behind Dangerousdanmagru (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-120 (D) hvy in Nov.
Imaginaire (USA) 5-2 (10-13) Chased leading pair, challenged 3 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Haafel (10-11) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-130 (C) sft in Nov.
Cyborg De Sou (FR) 28-1 (11-5) In rear, pushed along after 9th, left poor 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 7, well behind Hoo La Baloo (10-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov chs (C) gd in Oct.
