waited with in rear, outpaced when hit 4 out, rallied into 2nd on outside before next, every chance last, weakened run-in, finished tired
made all, ridden and hung left between last 2, joined last, stayed on gamely to go clear run-in
tracked leaders on outside, pushed along before 7th, weakened approaching next
chased leaders on inside, pushed along and outpaced before 3 out, modest 3rd 3 out, mistake last
hit 1st, chased winner, mistake 6th, ridden and lost 2nd before 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
A cracking contest as the form figures of all five contenders amply demonstrate. Winning chaser, Ramses De Teillee returns to hurdles and will probably set out to make all as was the case when scoring over timber at Cheltenham this season. However, this is a far better contest and CHAMPAGNE WELL sets the form standard and may revert to winning ways after delivering excellent runner-up performances the last twice at Cheltenham against the likes of Thyme Hill and Redford Road. The unbeaten Boss Man Fred impressed here last time and now faces the acid test with this step-up in grade and Thomas Macdonagh is impossible to eliminate from calculations seeking a four-timer. Eva's Oskar does have something to find but is enjoying a fine campaign too.
Champagne Well (IRE) 5-2fav (11-1) Held up in rear, headway on outside before 2 out, led last, ridden and headed flat, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Redford Road (10-12) at Cheltenham 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Ramses De Teillee (FR) 11-4jfav (11-12) Tracked leader, lost place turning in, hit 2 out, soon ridden and no impression, well held in 4th from last, 4th of 7, 24 3/4l behind West Approach (11-1) at Cheltenham 3m 3f hcp (1) sft in Nov.
Boss Man Fred (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Held up going well, headway 4th, effort on outside to lead 3 out, soon joined, hit next, ridden clear before last, easily, won at Doncaster 3m hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Snow Leopardess (11-5) by 9l, 8 ran.
Eva's Oskar (IRE) 17-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, led approaching last, stayed on well flat, ridden out, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (2) hvy in Dec beating Clyne (11-10) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Thomas Macdonagh 1-3fav (11-4) Close up in 2nd, led narrowly after 3rd, not fluent 3 out, asserted clear before last, pushed out, comfortably, won at Ffos Las 2m 4f (4) hvy in Dec beating Colorado Doc (10-12) by 6l, 3 ran.
