tracked leader, close up 4 out, led before next, mistake 2 out, clear when ridden after last, kept on
led, went right 1st, clear 3rd to 4 out, headed before next, ridden and one pace after 2 out, held when not fluent last, lost 2nd closing stages
jumped right most of way, detached in rear, headway and in touch after 4 out, outpaced next, ridden after 2 out, stayed on under pressure to take 2nd closing stages, no impression with winner
NonRunner
Blue Hussar won here and at Kelso at the end of last season. He also scored on the Flat over the summer but was a shade disappointing when only sixth back here over hurdles, though still finished well ahead of Modulus. ARISTO DU PLESSIS (NAP) lost his way last year but took advantage of a much-reduced mark here last month to return to the winner’s enclosure. Despite an 8lb rise, he’s still thrown in on past form and can double up, though Sakhee's City has also slipped down the ratings and can make a race of it. Tonto's Spirit has been in good form on the Flat and can be forgiven his flop on Tapeta last time.
Aristo Du Plessis (FR) 3-1jfav (11-10) Made all, clear from 2 out, kept on well, won at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov beating Cornborough (11-12) by 5l, 8 ran.
Tonto's Spirit 11-2 (9-5) Led until 3f out, soon lost place, last of 13, 15 1/2l behind Mobbhij (9-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Sakhee's City (FR) 16-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway 4th, went 2nd before 3 out, challenged 2 out, kept on, 4th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Master Of Irony (11-3) at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Blue Hussar (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) In touch, headway before 3 out, outpaced before last, 6th of 8, 11 1/2l behind William Of Orange (10-1) at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Modulus 25-1 (10-2) Led to 4th, weakened before 3 out, last of 8, 30 1/2l behind William Of Orange (10-1) at Wetherby 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
