with leader, led 9th, mistake 12th, strongly challenged after 3 out, drew clear approaching last, eased close home
led, not fluent 2nd, headed 9th, pushed along 12th, slow next, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders in 4th, reminders 9th, hit next, soon lost touch, pulled up 12th
chased leaders in 3rd, blundered 11th, went 2nd next, every chance approaching 2 out, soon under pressure, weakened last
All of these have a chance including Storming Gale, who won over C&D with a bit to spare last time and looks capable of further progress. Duke Of Lucca and Emmaslegend have winning form in beginners' chases and drop back down in class after failing in better company but a tentative vote goes to SIR DU BEARN. He scored easily at Fontwell before running well again to claim the runners-up spot in a higher grade than this last month and Paul Nicholls' charge could prove to be better than we've seen so far.
Duke Of Lucca (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) In touch on outside, lost place 11th, soon outpaced, 6th and beaten when mistake 3 out, 5th of 10, 35l behind Sir Des Champs (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd.
Sir Du Bearn (FR) 3-1 (11-3) Soon chased leaders, chased winner from 4th, tried to challenge before 3 out, held when hit 3 out, stayed on same pace after, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Chariot Charger (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (2) gs in Feb.
Storming Gale (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Held up, pecked slightly 1st, left 3rd 9th, led last, driven out, won at Bangor 3m beg chase (4) gd in Feb beating Kauto Relko (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
Emmaslegend 25-1 (10-4) Chased leaders, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 4 out, 9th of 18, 23l behind Bourne (9-11) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
