led, driven when hard pressed last, soon headed and one pace, ridden and rallied final 100 yards, held near finish
tracked leader, effort to challenge last, soon led, ridden and kept on under pressure final furlong, held on near finish
raced keenly, held up in rear, chased leaders 3 out, outpaced when hit next, no chance with front trio before last
raced keenly, held up in 3rd, not fluent 2nd, smooth headway on inside after 2 out, effort to challenge last, ridden and one pace flat, no extra closing stages
Top Notch was a 2/13 chance when beating a small field in this last year and FIXE LE KAP will also start at restrictive odds. He has much the best form and Deebaj was tailed off when he won in a canter at Warwick last month. Frodon has to compete on level terms having won on his debut at Auteuil last spring. He was a fair third at Cheltenham on his UK debut but is rated 7lb lower than the selection. Messire Des Obeaux has looked one paced so far and may do better when jumping fences.
Fixe Le Kap (FR) 3-10fav (11-5) Led until 3rd, led 5th, drew well clear approaching 2 out, very easily, won at Warwick 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Three Colours Red (10-12) by 28l, 8 ran.
Frodon (FR) 13-2 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, tracked leaders before next, chase winner last, soon ridden, no impression when lost place final 100 yards, 3rd of 9, 5 1/4l behind Solstice Star (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Deebaj (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Not always fluent, held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway after 3rd, mistake next, 4th and well beaten from 3 out, 4th of 8, dist behind Fixe Le Kap (11-5) at Warwick 2m (4) sft in Jan.
Messire Des Obeaux (FR) 33-1 (10-7) 6th of 12, 13 1/4l behind Class Conti (11-0) at Auteuil 2m 1f sft in Nov.
