tracked leading pair, mistake 7th, challenged 4 out until hit next, soon no chance with 1st 2, weakened to 4th when went left 2 out, pulled up before last
led, joined 3 out, strongly pressed from next, kept on gamely until headed and held final 125 yards
chased leader, challenged 3 out, upsides from next, went left last, driven ahead final 125 yards
tracked leading trio, hit 5th, mistake 8th, outpaced next, went modest 3rd before 2 out
Solix probably has the best form in this, winning here and at Haydock last season for Nicky Henderson. He was successful on his first start for Ian Williams in France in October before being found out in Grade 2 company at Auteuil last month but has to give 7lb to CEDRE BLEU. The latter made a pleasing reappearance behind Sizing Santiago in a handicap at Newbury but may just have found the 2m7f a little too far. This should be just about perfect and he gets the nod. Brass Tax dead-heated in a novices' handicap at Market Rasen last time but shouldn't be good enough here while On Trend fell at Newbury earlier this month and lacks the experience of the principals.
Solix (FR) 8-1 (10-3) 6th of 8, 8l behind Tir Au But (9-13) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 5f hdl G2 (1) hvy in Nov.
Brass Tax (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2 out, driven out and joined post, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov deadheating with Alpine Breeze (11-12), 7 ran.
Cedre Bleu (FR) 5-2fav (11-12) Led until 6th, remained prominent, every chance 3 out, soon under pressure, no extra from last, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Sizing Santiago (10-13) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
On Trend (IRE) 17-2 (10-9) Held up in rear when fell 5 out, in a race won by Ulck Du Lin (10-2) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs, 15 ran.
