tracked leader, led after 3 out, mistake next, stayed on strongly
in touch, outpaced after 3 out, rallied to chase winner last, kept on same pace
mid-division, hampered 3 out, headway and effort 2 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway to chase winner 2 out to last, no extra run in
pulled hard in rear, hampered 3 out, weakened
led, jumped left 1st, clear 3rd, headed after 3 out, weakened
towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden to chase winner briefly approaching 2 out, soon one pace
Getting weight from the previous winners, SIMPLY THE BETTS (NAP) makes plenty of appeal in a tough opener. He travelled strongly for a long way at Newbury on his hurdling debut and is certain to improve for the experience. If The Cap Fits easily beat subsequent Plumpton winner Solomon Grey at Bangor last month and is better off at the weights. He won’t go down without a fight while Deise Des Bieffes is also two from two over timber and capable of better. Irish Prophecy was soon left behind at Doncaster last time, however, and this is a big ask for Gary Moore’s pair and Storm Home.
If The Cap Fits (IRE) 4-11fav (11-5) Chased leaders, took closer order 5th, led next, quickened clear after last, ran on strongly, won at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Nov beating Solomon Grey (10-12) by 3 1/4l, 13 ran.
Diese Des Bieffes (FR) 4-9fav (10-12) In touch, hampered 5th, led last and soon clear, won at Taunton 2m (4) gd in Nov beating Show On The Road (10-12) by 6l, 11 ran.
Irish Prophecy (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, challenged 2 out, every chance last, edged left and no impression on winner flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Kalashnikov (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gs in Dec.
Solomon Grey (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 5th, led before 2 out, driven clear before last, ridden out flat, kept on, won at Plumpton 2m (4) gs in Dec beating Knocknanuss (11-4) by 11l, 10 ran.
Airtight 6-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden and beaten over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 6, 5 1/4l behind Jersey Bean (11-0) at Ascot 2m (4) gd in Nov.
Ar Mest (FR) 5-4fav (11-0) Held up towards rear, keen, headway over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never nearer, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Oriental Cross (10-7) at Lingfield 2m (6) pol in Dec.
Simply The Betts (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Chased winner, challenged 3 out, 2 lengths down next, tried to challenge last, no extra run-in, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 13, 6 3/4l behind Lostintranslation (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn (3) sft in Dec.
Storm Home (IRE) 15-8 (10-12) In touch, blundered 3 out, weakened from last, 5th of 11, 19 1/4l behind Captain Cattistock (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 5f (4) sft in Nov.
