disputed lead, not fluent 8th and 10th, awkward and unseated rider after 11th (water)
tracked front pair, left 2nd from 11th (water), ridden after 4 out, one pace when hit 2 out, no impression with winner after
made most, left 2 lengths clear 11th (water), drew clear from 2 out, comfortably
held up in rear, left 3rd 11th (water), outpaced before 4 out, no chance with rival pair after
LABEL DES OBEAUX was undoubtedly disappointing last time at Lingfield and his conqueror has been well beaten since. But he has a touch of class and Querry Horse is giving him 3lb, though was good enough to take advantage when an opportunity presented itself at Doncaster last month and might be improving with experience. Optimistic Bias has his first run outside of handicap company over fences but needs more and Hit The Highway is tackling the larger obstacles for the first time, though has won two hurdles and a point-to-point.
Querry Horse (FR) 11-2 (10-7) Prominent, lost place 6th, pushed along after 10th, outpaced next, rallied and left with chance from 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Doncaster 2m 3f (4) gd in Jan beating Winner Massagot (10-12) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Hit The Highway (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, reminder 7th, every chance 3 out, weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before next, at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Label Des Obeaux (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) Took keed hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, pushed along before next, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Missed Approach (11-0) at Lingfield 2m 7f (4) hvy in Jan.
Optimistic Bias (IRE) 2-1fav (11-10) Chased leaders, lost place 8th, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten, 4th of 6, 21 1/2l behind By The Boardwalk (11-8) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
