led, clear before 2 out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra
tracked leader until over 3f out, soon weakened
in rear, ridden over 3f out, soon went a remote 4th, never dangerous
always towards rear
tracked leaders in 3rd, outpaced halfway, went 2nd over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on strongly
in touch, ridden over 4f out, went 2nd over 3f out, kept on same pace
Blue Fashion would have been the best of these over hurdles but he was very disappointing on his chasing bow at Ascot. Pine Creek, on the other hand, has gone close in both starts over the larger obstacles and may have beaten Volnay de Thaix here in December with a better jump at the last. HOLLYWOODIEN wasn't foot-perfect when scoring at Ascot and has further to travel today. But the grey clearly has a future over fences and will give the likely market leaders plenty to think about with a clear round. Nexius can only improve on his debut at Bangor in October while Midnight Monty looks a nice long-term prospect.
Hollywoodien (FR) 20-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd after 3 out, led approaching 2 out where blundered and rider lost reins briefly and headed, rallied to regain lead last, in command inside final 150 yards, ridden out, won at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating All Together (10-13) by 2 1/4l, 9 ran.
Blue Fashion (IRE) 5-2 (10-10) Tracked leaders, weakened quickly 12th, behind and pullled up before 4 out, at Ascot 2m 5f (2) gs in Dec.
Gambol (FR) 25-1 (10-13) Always behind, tailed off, 10th of 15, dist behind Amiral Collonges (11-6) at Ascot 3m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Midnight Monty 5-2 (11-1) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, led after 4 out, ridden before last, kept on well, won at Newcastle 2m (4) sft in Mar beating Bentons Lad (10-7) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Nexius (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) Held up, headway on outside 9th, mistake next, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 7, 29 3/4l behind Coologue (10-12) at Bangor 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct.
Pine Creek 11-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd and in rear, ridden and every chance before last, kept on and held run-in, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Volnay De Thaix (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.