tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, went 2nd 4 out, every chance 2 out, led approaching last, ran on strongly
soon led, headed after 5th, remained prominent, driven 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leaders, driven approaching 3 out, soon no impression
tracked leader, led after 5th, challenged 2 out, headed before last, soon rallied, no extra closing stages
Just the four runners for this Grade 1 but it is still a cracking line-up headed by ALTIOR, bidding for a 10th win in 10 starts over fences. Five of those wins have come at the highest level and Nicky Henderson’s superstar is the one to beat again. Un De Sceaux’ only defeat last season came in the Ryanair and he is also a multiple winner in Grade 1 races, including this in 2016. Sceau Royal has been beaten just once so far over fences and won the Grade 1 novices’ chase on this card last year while Saint Calvados had the measure of Footpad when that one fell at Naas last month and he looks a very smart prospect.
Altior (IRE) 2-11fav (11-7) Tracked leading pair, left tracking leader 8th, challenged on inside and led soon after 3 out, went left next, ridden between last 2, stayed on strongly to assert towards finish, won at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Apr beating San Benedeto (11-7) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.
Saint Calvados (FR) 5-2 (11-10) Made all, not fluent at 2nd and 3rd, pushed along from 2 out, 4l lead when left well clear at last, ridden and stayed on well run-in, won at Naas 2m (1) Yielding in Nov beating Tycoon Prince (11-1) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Sceau Royal (FR) 5-4fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd and poised to challenge after 3 out, upsides next, led narrowly last, soon ridden, all out to assert towards finish, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) gd in Nov beating Simply Ned (11-6) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Un De Sceaux (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Made all, clear at halfway, pushed along and clear before 2 out, ridden and stayed on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr beating Douvan (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 9 ran.
