tracked leader until 3 out, weakened soon after
led and set steady pace, ridden and headed approaching last, readily outpaced and no chance with winner run-in, kept on for 2nd
raced wide in last pair, pecked 4th, some progress on outside approaching 4 out, soon pushed along and weakened next
jumped well, took keen hold, held up in touch, smooth headway tracking leaders from 3 out, led approaching last, pushed along and quickened clear run-in, impressive
held up in last pair, pushed along and one pace in 5th after 3 out, no impression on leading quartet, hit last
in touch, weakened 3 out, blundered next
tracked leaders on inside, every chance 2 out, 4th and one pace run-in
took keen hold tracking leaders, 2nd 3 out, every chance when went right and bumped 2 out, ridden between last two, 3rd and one pace run-in
WHAT'S THE SCOOP is a half brother to multiple Grade 1 winning hurdler Harchibald, who was second in the Champion Hurdle in 2005, and can make a winning debut for Nicky Henderson. He's A Charmer was runner up to Henderson's Cultivator here on his first run over hurdles and looks the danger ahead of Vivas, who showed definite promise in bumpers and should make a jumper. Krugermac was second in a Punchestown bumper for Shane Nolan in May but has his first run for Gary Moore. Max The Minister should do better after a pipe opener at Chepstow.
Artiste Du Gouet (FR) 25-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, effort 5f out, ridden and weakened 3f out, 6th of 7, 28 1/2l behind Compadre (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f (6) sft in Nov.
He's A Charmer (IRE) 4-1fav (11-0) Chased leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Cultivator (11-0) at Ascot 2m (4) gd in Oct.
Heresmynumber (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, weakened from 3 out, 5th of 9, 17 3/4l behind Miami Present (11-0) at Fakenham 2m mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Krugermac (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders on inner, 6th 4f out, headway into close 2nd entering straight, ridden 2f out, kept on without threatening winner final furlong, 2nd of 16, 3l behind Nambour (12-0) at Punchestown 2m sft in May.
Max The Minister 14-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 22l behind Above Board (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (6) gd in Oct.
Pursuitofhappiness (IRE) 66-1 (11-1) Mid-division, weakened approaching 6th, tailed off, 10th of 12, dist behind It's A Close Call (11-8) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) gs in Mar.
Vivas (FR) 16-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 12 1/4l behind Aurillac (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m (3) gs in Oct.
What's The Scoop (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Dame D'harvard.
