chased leader, mistake 13th, lost 2nd before 3 out, went 2nd again approaching last, led flat, stayed on, driven out
chased leaders, niggled along 9th, not fluent and pushed along 11th, not fluent 13th, mistake 4 out, went 2nd after 3 out until before last, weakened flat
led, not fluent 8th, driven and headed flat, no extra towards finish
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden after 12th, beaten after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
Fusil Raffles was never travelling in a Grade 2 here last month and pulled up. The going was softer than described that day but that still gives him something to find with eventual runner-up Quel Destin. That was the latter’s first try over the larger obstacles and he could make a race of it with likely favourite CHANTRY HOUSE, who wasn’t entirely convincing at Ascot but should also improve for the experience and can give Nicky Henderson’s stable a sixth success in this contest. Lieutenant Rocco wasn’t beaten far at Chepstow but is up against smart novices here.
Fusil Raffles (FR) 11-10fav (11-5) Chased leader until before 3rd, mistake and lost place 7th (water), mistake 4 out, soon well held, behind when pulled up before 2 out, at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
Chantry House (IRE) 4-9fav (11-1) Chased leader, nudged along briefly after 11th, joined leaders 3 out, jumped into lead 2 out, ran on well, easily, won at Ascot 2m 3f (3) sft in Nov beating Up The Straight (11-1) by 26l, 3 ran.
Lieutenant Rocco (IRE) 10-3 (11-0) Chased winner until 5th, 2nd again from next, disputing lead when mistake 4 out, switched left after next, held flat, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 3 3/4l behind Antunes (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Quel Destin (FR) 7-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, went 2nd 4 out until 3 out, soon held, left 2nd and hampered last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 6, 19l behind Eldorado Allen (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
