chased leader in 2nd, cruised into contention and pressed leader 2 out, shaken up to lead before last, kept on well, cosy
in rear, not fluent 3rd, headway to press leader 7th, tracked leader and disputed 2nd 4 out, shaken up before 3 out, soon ridden along and weakened quickly, tailed off
led, pressed and headed briefly 7th, led 4 out, driven before 3 out, pressed 2 out, headed before last, held in 2nd last, no match for the winner
Point-to-point winner OSCAR ELITE made a winning debut under Rules for Colin Tizzard with an impressive victory in a maiden hurdle here last month. This longer trip won’t be a problem and he should have the measure of Springfield Fox, despite carrying a penalty. The latter has won twice over fences, including at this venue, though has yet to score over hurdles while Is A Real Champ has only placed in a bumper and debuts over timber for Paul Nicholls’ yard.
Oscar Elite (IRE) 10-3 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway going well before 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear, heavily eased towards finish, won at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) hvy in Nov beating Hardy Articos (11-0) by 20l, 11 ran.
Is A Real Champ (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway on outside chasing leaders 3f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 16, 4l behind One Touch (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (5) gs in Apr.
Springfield Fox 7-1 (11-6) Hit 1st, led to 3rd, pressed leader, carried right 12th, blundered and unseated rider 16th, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (1) sft in Mar.
