tracked leader, hit 3rd, jumped left 6th, challenged next, led 3 out, clear last, ridden out
took keen hold, chased leaders, not fluent 6th or 7th, soon outpaced, weakened 9th, not fluent 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, niggled along 7th, ridden and outpaced 9th, stayed on flat, went 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner
led, not always fluent, headed 3 out, no impression on winner when mistake last, lost 2nd towards finish
Nonrunner
GARDE LA VICTOIRE hasn't been entirely convincing so far over fences and will probably need to settle better if he's to figure in the Arkle. But he's obviously a high-class novice who should be too good for these if coping with the ground. Doctor Harper was no match for L'Ami Serge at Plumpton on his chasing bow but that will have taught him plenty. Albert Bridge has won on the Flat and over hurdles but may need the experience and Gino Trail will find easier opportunities, possibly over further.
Garde La Victoire (FR) 8-15fav (11-2) Took keen hold, held up in touch in rear, not fluent 8th, headway and close up on outside 3 out, soon chased leader, ridden to lead after last, kept on under pressure flat, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov beating Fox Norton (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Beallandendall (IRE) 7-1 (12-0) Hdwy 12; wknd qckly 3 out; pu nxt, at Hereford P-t-p Course 3m gs in May.
Doctor Harper (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Chased easy winner throughout, outpaced before 2 out, no chance after, 2nd of 3, 27l behind L'Ami Serge (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 1f (3) hvy in Jan.
Gino Trail (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Close up, led 3 out, blundered 2 out, kept on from last, won at Towcester 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Go West Young Man (11-4) by 7l, 12 ran.
Albert Bridge 5-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, niggled along halfway, pushed along and outpaced 3f out, soon struggling, last of 6, 20 1/4l behind Sweet P (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
