led, headed after 1st, tracked winner to 5th, reminders next, chased winner again after 7th, beaten from 3 out
tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, jumped right mostly, took poor 3rd 8th, weakened 4 out
in touch, chased winner 5th, lost place 7th, weakened quickly
made most, jumped right clear 2 out
Nonrunner
Predateur was due to run yesterday and this is best left to Royals Darling if he fails to take his place in the line-up today. The selection has always been regarded as a decent individual and it looks like fences could be the making of him following his smooth defeat of Presenting Copper at Kempton on his chase bow. The mare is weighted to finish closer but was readily put in her place and her chances probably lie with her proven affinity for the track. The remainder are up against it but the complexion of the race changes completely if Predateur stands his ground. He has yet to live up to the high hopes that are held for him but all is far from lost and he could yet make Cheltenham. He'd be expected to take this heat in receipt of weight all round if taking his chance but Royals Darling will be hard to beat if he doesn't.
Royals Darling (GER) 7-4 (11-0) With leader, ridden approaching 3 out, led approaching 2 out, stayed on well, won at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) sft in Jan beating Presenting Copper (10-12) by 8l, 3 ran.
Admiral Peary (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) With winner, led after 7th until after next, mistake 9th, weakened 4 out, 3rd of 4, well behind Cousin Nicky (11-10) at Taunton 2m 3f clm chs (3) gs in Jan.
Compton Star 10-1 (9-10) In touch until weakened after 6th, 8th of 13, 24l behind Hypnotic Vibes (10-6) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Jan.
Presenting Copper (IRE) 13-8fav (10-12) Led, hit 1st and 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 3, 8l behind Royals Darling (11-0) at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) sft in Jan.
Predateur (FR) 9-4fav (10-9) In touch, not fluent 10th, chased winner after 4 out, ridden 2 out, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Lead On (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
