held up, ridden almost upsides 3 and 2 out, kept on well from last, could not get on terms with winner
prominent, pushed along home turn, weakened 2 out
made all, ridden home turn, pressed 3 and 2 out, stayed on well from last, always in control
An intriguing heat dependent upon the likelihood of GOSHEN enjoying this new discipline. A high-quality hurdler, he was beaten 65 lengths on his sole chasing start so the jury is most definitely out. He now sports first-time cheekpieces, is significantly superior to his rivals over timber and is given another chance to prove himself a future chaser, albeit without any great confidence. Christopher Wood shaped well on his second chase start following wind surgery behind Saint Segal and is a reliable performer who will take advantage of any chinks in the armour of the favourite. Quel Destin's last victory came on the Flat, since when he's only had half a dozen starts in well over two years. Presumably connections will be looking for a clear round to get him back on track.
Christopher Wood (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Led until 2nd, chased leader until led again 7th, headed last (normal 2 out), stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Saint Segal (11-2) at Hereford 2m (3) sft in Jan.
Goshen (FR) 10-3 (11-7) Held up in 4th on inside, 2nd going well after 3 out, pushed along and every chance next, lost 2nd before the last, rallied into 2nd again towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Paisley Park (11-7) at Kempton 3m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Quel Destin (FR) 50-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders out wide, weakened 4 out, tailing off when pulled up before next, at Kempton 3m hcp (2) sft in Dec.
