tracked leaders, pushed along before 5 out, every chance 4 out, weakened from 2 out
in rear, headway before 5 out, went 2nd before 3 out, led before last, kept on well
towards rear, pushed along before 7th, soon outpaced
tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed before last, kept on
led and keen, pecked 5 out, soon headed, one pace in 3rd after
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Valseur Du Granval was always travelling best when scoring last time at Kempton. The slight drop in trip is not a worry but he will have to overcome an 8lb hike in the weights. OCTAGON was often made to look one-paced over hurdles so the switch to fences may suit. The handicapper has taken no chances with Harry Whittington's charge but he should be thereabouts if his jumping is up to scratch. Sartorial Elegance is another to consider, though has his first run since April, but Le Boizelo would probably need the heavens to open if he's to figure.
Ozzy Thomas (IRE) 25-1 (10-0) Mid-division, weakened 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Sandown 2m hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Valseur Du Granval (FR) 3-1jfav (11-3) Tracked leading trio, 3rd 4 out, 2nd travelling well before next and soon challenging, led approaching 2 out, came readily clear before last, kept up to work run-in, won at Kempton 2m 2f hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Prince Khurram (11-8) by 7l, 5 ran.
Sartorial Elegance 6-4fav (11-8) Prominent, ridden 3 out, no impression on winner 2 out, hung left before last, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Red Devil Star (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Yes Daddy (IRE) 15-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders on outside, not fluent 11th, soon outpaced, well beaten from 3 out, hit 2 out, 4th of 5, 23 1/2l behind Adam du Breteau (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gf in Oct.
Back By Midnight 20-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, 11th of 16, dist behind Fort Carson (11-11) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Le Boizelo (FR) 17-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd 7th until ridden before 2 out, weakened quickly, behind and no chance when blundered badly and unseated rider last, at Sandown 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Octagon 5-2 (11-12) Led, ridden and headed before last, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Furiously Fast (11-2) at Hereford 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Remiluc (FR) 22-1 (11-3) Chased leading pair, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next, 3rd of 5, 30 3/4l behind Midnight Shot (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Oct.