tracked leaders, went 3rd 7th until mistake 11th, close up, ridden well before 2 out, went 3rd again soon after, kept on same pace
led until 3rd, tracked leaders, niggled along from 9th, ridden to chase winner well after 3 out, kept on, not pace of winner
led 3rd, briefly headed when hit 9th, jumped well to seal it 2 out and last, ran on well readily
with winner 3rd, led briefly 9th, mistake 13th, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out
New Little Bric has adapted well to the British game and is selected as the one to be on in this tricky little contest where All Star rates as the main threat from the rest. Aztec Warrior and Pretty Star are not without ability, though, and cannot be confidently ruled out in what may well turn into a game of cat and mouse. Pretty Star coped with the step up to three miles when winning at Newbury last time out. However, his previous form indicates that he is better suited to this sort of distance and he looks sure to pay his way again before too long. Aztec Warrior has a Sun Alliance Chase entry and will no doubt make a bold bid to enhance his claims. However, he has been prone to the odd mistake at his fences and, as a front runner, may be vulnerable to late challenges. All Star has a good cruising speed and, having made steady progress over hurdles, he made a smooth transition to fences with an impressive effort at Ascot last November. He has to be respected but , as this trip extends him to the limit, he does have a bit to prove. Therefore, we prefer New Little Bric on this occasion. Paul Nicholls' charge had this race nominated as a target straight after a comfortable win at Exeter 44 days ago. The French-bred gelding is a long term prospect but he is fully expected to rise to, what will be, his stiffest challenge in his short career to date.
All Star (GER) 13-8fav (11-5) In touch, ridden and every chance 2 out, led approaching last, ran on, won at Ascot 2m 1f beg chs (2) gs in Nov beating Flying Enterprise (11-5) by 2l, 7 ran.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Led until 8th, with leader, pushed along when left in lead 3 out, unchallenged after, won at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Jan beating Opera de Coeur (10-7) by 5l, 5 ran.
New Little Bric (FR) 1-7fav (11-8) Chased leader, led 6th, left clear 3 out, unchallenged, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Dec beating Bohemian Boy (11-2) by a distance, 3 ran.
Pretty Star (GER) 10-3 (11-2) Disputing 2nd place, chased leader 3 out, upsides next, narrow lead last, in command flat, won at Newbury 3m beg chs (3) gs in Dec beating Moncadou (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
