tracked winner, jumped big 1st and 2nd, mistake 3 out, soon pushed along, every chance 2 out, driven and no impression flat
made all, pressed 2 out, ridden out hands and heels only flat, stayed on well, readily
REBEL FITZ was completing a five-timer over fences when landing a Grade 3 at Tipperary earlier this month. He was a very useful hurdler but seems to have improved again over the larger obstacles and, though conceding 8lb to his two rivals, can make the most of a possible fitness advantage to score again. Third Intention was very unlucky not to win a decent race over fences last season. He was placed three times in Grade 1 company and ended the last campaign with a second to Dynaste in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree. A nice prize seems sure to come his way this term while Taquin Du Seuil won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December and is an exciting prospect. Despite the small field, this should be a very informative contest.
Rebel Fitz (FR) 2-5fav (11-8) Sweated up, tracked leaders, jumped well, on terms from 3 out, led before straight, clear from 2 out, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Tipperary 2m 4f nov chs (1) gd beating Owega Star (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Third Intention (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, joined leader 9th, led going well after 3 out, shaken up between last 2, headed approaching last, no chance with winner in clear 2nd flat, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Dynaste (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Apr.
Taquin Du Seuil (FR) 6-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd briefly 2 out, ridden and no impression before last, weakened flat, 6th of 8, 18l behind The New One (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Mar.