held up in close 4th on inner, closer 7th (water), went 2nd 3 out, challenged out wide going well 2 out, soon led, 2 lengths ahead last, driven clear run-in
led, bad mistake 4 out, soon recovered, joined 2 out, headed soon after, 2 lengths down last, stayed on same pace run-in, no chance with winner
jumped right at times, raced keenly, went 2nd after 4th, lost 2nd 3 out, weakening when tired jump and lost 3rd at the last
tracked leader until after 4th, dropped to rear 8th, ridden and struggling after 3 out, went remote 3rd at the last
A select but delightful renewal. Politologue earned his keep last term by winning the Tingle Creek but was beaten on his two other runs. He's unlikely to improve at the age of ten but cannot be discounted. Rouge Vif has little chance on the formbook according to his last two runs but has since had wind surgery and moved to Paul Nicholls. It will be intriguing to see the tactics adopted by the yard with two of the four runners, both of whom race prominently. Nube Negra, possible unlucky not to land the Champion Chase here last March, looks a leading contender for honours once again but gives 7lb to PUT THE KETTLE ON, the reigning 2m champion chaser. She's as hard as nails, yet to be beaten in four starts around Cheltenham and can maintain that splendid record.
Nube Negra (SPA) 6-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway and closer 5 out, went 2nd after next, pushed along and no impression on winner entering straight, 3rd and no extra before last, weakened, 3rd of 6, 24 1/2l behind Chacun Pour Soi (12-0) at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding in Apr.
Politologue (FR) 5-2 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 2nd, edged left and every chance after 3 out, no impression on winner and lost 2nd before last, weakened, 4th of 7, 25 1/4l behind Fakir D'Oudairies (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
Rouge Vif (FR) 20-1 (11-10) Led 1st, headed 2nd, led 3rd until 8th, led after 9th, mistake 4 out, headed 3 out, soon beginning to lost place and hampered, well behind 2 out, last of 9, 21 3/4l behind Put The Kettle On (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Mar.
Put The Kettle On (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, went right and slightly hampered 1st, lost place and struggling in rear 6th, rallied disputing moderate 4th 4 out, 4th of 7, 20 1/2l behind Greaneteen (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) gd in Apr.
