tracked leaders, pushed along 3 out, weakened next
close up in rear, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, weakened flat
led, edged left 6th, jumped left 2 out, ridden and headed flat
tracked leader, pushed along when hampered 2 out, soon switched right, ridden to lead flat, ran on
close up, ridden to tracked leaders 2 out, kept on same pace flat
Despite advancing years, Sceau Royal is still a decent two-miler over hurdles and fences but he’s always been vulnerable over longer trips. Goshen won this last year but he is very hard to catch right, though did finish a place ahead of the mare Theatre Glory in the Select Hurdle at Sandown in April. Cheltenham scorer Blueking D‘Oroux would have preferred more rain but did win on good to soft around here last season. We’ll take a chance on STRONG LEADER, who developed into a smart novice last season. Something was clearly amiss on his reappearance and he gives the impression that this step up in trip will suit.
Goshen (FR) 8-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear of mid-division far rail, weakened over 3f out, 26th of 31, dist behind The Shunter (9-1) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcp (2) sft in Oct.
Sceau Royal (FR) 11-4 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, no extra after last, 4th of 5, 6 1/2l behind Rubaud (11-8) at Kempton 2m lst (1) gd in Oct.
Strong Leader 3-1jfav (11-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, ridden after 3 out and soon dropped away, last of 10, 20 1/2l behind Nemean Lion (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (2) gs in Oct.
Blueking D'oroux (FR) 5-2 (11-0) Close 3rd, went 2nd at 3rd until next, 2nd again soon after 2 out, led soon after, ridden and stayed on well run-in, won at Cheltenham 2m (2) gs in Oct beating Jilaijone (11-0) by 2l, 7 ran.
Theatre Glory (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Led and set steady pace, quickened before 2 out, headed between last two, chased winner when carried right and switched left approaching the last, lost 2nd last, plugged on in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Knappers Hill (11-10) at Sandown 2m 5f (1) sft in Apr.
