chased leader, led before 2 out, clear before last, kept on strongly
with leader, hit 1st, led 2nd, pressed 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened before last
always behind, pulled up
towards rear, effort before 3 out, never dangerous
led, headed 2nd, ridden before 2 out, one pace in 3rd place
always towards rear, weakened before 3 out
chased leader, chased winner before last, kept on and no impression
Un Prophete was second in a novice hurdle here two years ago and has won three times over fences since, including last time at Exeter. Despite a 5lb rise, Venetia Williams’ grey is probably still on a decent mark. WORKBENCH was winning for the sixth time over fences when holding off Red Devil Star at Sandown last month. He’s only been raised 3lb and is another still well treated on past form so is taken to follow up given the going may be too soft for course winner Cracking Find. Ink Master has shown little since switching stables while this looks too tough for Discoverie. Dresden and Vengeur De Guye may be in the handicapper’s grip.
Dresden (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Soon towards rear, mistake 5th, blundered 13th (valentines), mistake next, well beaten 2 out, tailed off, 7th of 11, dist behind Gas Line Boy (11-10) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Ink Master (IRE) 16-1 (12-0) Led, headed 2 out, weakened last, 8th of 13, 16 1/2l behind Castafiore (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Dec.
Un Prophete (FR) 5-2fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 4 out, soon challenging, slight lead when pecked 2 out, ridden and good jump last, soon asserted and hung left run-in, stayed on, won at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Keep Moving (10-7) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Workbench (FR) 4-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 2 out, ridden and headed briefly flat, ran on gamely, won at Sandown 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Red Devil Star (11-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Cracking Find (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, weakened before 3 out, 5th of 7, 18l behind Nightfly (10-6) at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Vengeur De Guye (FR) 5-1 (11-10) Chased leaders to 4th, towards rear when not fluent next, driven to chase leaders before 2 out, stayed on to take modest 4th flat, no impression, 4th of 8, 29l behind Chain Of Beacons (10-7) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Discoverie 22-1 (12-0) Led to 2nd, led again 4th, headed before 8 out, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 9, 13 3/4l behind Bollin Line (10-5) at Catterick 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
