tracked leader, led after 10f, extended lead when shaken up over 3f out, ran on inside final furlong, easily
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
led, headed after 10f, pushed along over 4f out, soon hard ridden, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, soon outpaced, weakened over 2f out
LE CHIFFRE D'OR has the best form - albeit not setting a daunting standard - through his 11-length third on debut at Fontwell in late-February. It's likely the champion trainer will deliver further improvement, and he can be yet another Nicholls winner at a course where he has produced such excellent results down the years. Hughie Morrison does well with his very select band of NH runners and Scanning showed enough on debut here on Boxing day to suggest he'll improve considerably for the experience and he's the obvious threat. Another Flat yard, that of Roger Teal, unveils Cockspur Balla and the market should reflect his chance, as with Tipsy Hall and newcomer Hoochygoochyman
Hoochygoochyman Gentlewave gelding out of Goochypoochyprader.
Le Chiffre D'or (FR) 10-3 (11-4) Prominent, ridden back straight, headway under pressure to chase leader over 1f out, faded final furlong, 3rd of 8, 10 3/4l behind Brave Kingdom (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn (5) gs in Feb.
Scanning 7-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place 5f out, green and well held over 2f out, 8th of 13, 19 1/4l behind Mucho Mas (11-0) at Wincanton 1m 7f (5) sft in Dec.
Cockspur Balla Passing Glance gelding out of Flora Joy.
Tipsy Hall 50-1 (10-12) Prominent, ridden and edged right over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 19 1/4l behind Moonamacaroona (10-12) at Warwick 2m (5) sft in Feb.
