tracked leader, driven and lost place after 3 out, 4th and held when mistake next, kept on flat, not reach leaders
led, driven 2 out, ridden and headed after last, kept on same pace under pressure flat
tracked leading pair, ridden and outpaced in 4th after 3 out, regained 3rd next, one pace when not fluent last, kept on under pressure flat, not reach front pair
took keen hold, held up in touch in rear, not fluent 8th, headway and close up on outside 3 out, soon chased leader, ridden to lead after last, kept on under pressure flat
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Garde La Victoire proved most progressive last season and, following a successful debut over fences at Uttoxeter, Philip Hobbs' six year old has plenty to like about him at this level. With softer ground likely, stamina could come into play and it is with reluctance that we oppose him with CALIPTO. Paul Nicholls' charge jumped particularly well at Fontwell and, though the trainer has nominated future targets over further, he still has enough pace to be effective over this shorter trip. Fox Norton has a flawless record over fences and he was no mug over hurdles. Rain would aid his chances though it will be tough for him to concede a winner's penalty. Dormello Mo has been on the go for quite some time while El Namoose and The Grey Taylor attempt a massive leap up in grade.
Dormello Mo (FR) 7-2 (11-10) Tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, challenged 2 out until last, no impression on winner flat, stayed on, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Rock The World (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
Fox Norton (FR) 5-2 (11-7) Made all, driven 2 lengths clear last, soon ridden, held on towards finish, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f (3) gd in Oct beating Golden Doyen (10-7) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Calipto (FR) 8-15fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, 2nd 4 out, challenged next, led last, shaken up and came readily clear run-in, unextended, won at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) gs in Oct beating Wadswick Court (11-3) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Garde La Victoire (FR) 11-10fav (11-2) Chased leading pair after 1st, closed 5th, mistake 8th, went 2nd 4 out, challenged next, led before 2 out, clear last, comfortably, won at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Oct beating Bristol De Mai (10-7) by 7l, 5 ran.
El Namoose 13-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3 out, challenged 2 out, every chance last, stayed on, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sametegal (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (3) gs in Nov.
The Grey Taylor (IRE) 4-7fav (11-2) Made all, went left 4 out, clear when not fluent 2 out, eased in closing stages, unchallenged, won at Carlisle 2m (4) gd in Oct beating Silk Hall (11-2) by 10l, 7 ran.
