mid-division, not fluent 4th, headway after 2 out, went 2nd last, led final 100 yards, stayed on well
held up towards rear on outside, pushed along to close after 3 out, lost place final bend, weakened before last
mid-division, took keen hold, not much room and went right 1st, rider looked to have issue with right iron briefly, hit 3 out, closed on outside before 2 out, led approaching last, ridden and went slightly left when hard pressed after last, headed final 100 yards, held towards finish
jumped left at times, chased clear leader, closed after 5th, led just after final bend, soon headed, weakened final 150 yards
raced freely, led and clear until after 5th, headed final bend, weakening when mistake last
chased clear leader, closed before 5th, slightly outpaced after 2 out, rallied to lead final bend, soon headed, no extra in 3rd final 100 yards
always in rear, well beaten 2 out
NonRunner
A good trial to kick-start the marathon card and DIXON COVE is taken to reverse placings with Comfort Zone after the pair were separated by just a neck in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. The Nicholls filly appeals as a strong stayer and is 5lb better off now with the Irish raider, who nevertheless remains a leading threat. Jupiter Du Gite could hardly have been more impressive when romping to a 66/1 success at Newbury on debut for Gary Moore and the ex-French gelding needs a place on every shortlist based on that performance. It did not look a fluke result despite the price, but this is an acid test for the son of Castle Du Berlais. The ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained Scriptwriter, unbeaten over timber, is far from discounted, especially after confirming his wellbeing with a fine win on the Flat when last seen.
Comfort Zone (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Towards rear, headway into 3rd before 3 out, shaken up and led after 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on gamely when challenged run-in, did enough, won at Chepstow 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Dixon Cove (10-12) by nk, 9 ran.
Mombasa (FR) 4-1 (11-10) Raced in 3rd on inside, effort out wide before 2 out, went 2nd soon after 2 out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 17l behind I Have A Voice (11-6) at Sandown 2m (3) sft in Jan.
More Felons (IRE) 11-1 (9-10) Close 3rd on inside, got through and strong run under pressure on rail inside final furlong, led towards finish, gamely, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Dec beating Base Note (9-4) by hd, 6 ran.
Active Duty (FR) 10-3 (11-0) Prominent, pushed along and outpaced before 3 out, no impression in 4th approaching last, kept on into 3rd near finish, 3rd of 8, 3 1/4l behind Romancero Le Dun (11-7) at Ludlow 2m (3) sft in Jan.
Jupiter Du Gite (FR) 66-1 (10-6) Made all and set strong pace, drew well clear from 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Newbury 2m (4) sft in Dec beating Klitschko (11-7) by 15l, 11 ran.
Dixon Cove (GER) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced home turn, ridden and stayed on from 2 out, pressed leader last, every chance run-in, held closing stages, 2nd of 9, nk behind Comfort Zone (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Naeva (FR) (11-4) 2nd of 13, 12l behind Sniper Point (11-2) at Cagnes-sur-Mer 2m 1f hvy in Jan.
Fils De Roi (FR) 15-2 (11-0) Soon led, awkward 3rd, not fluent 5th or 3 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, gradually fading when fell last, at Chepstow 2m (1) sft in Dec.
