Copain De Classe was having his first start since March and making his chasing debut when third at Ascot. A bold bid looks likely from him but ROBBING THE PREY is just preferred. The latter scored easily in soft going at Sedgefield on only his second start over fences and Malcolm Jefferson’s charge is taken to defy a rise in the weights. Azzuri notched-up a couple of novice chase wins on fast ground at Southwell during the summer but was well beaten at Worcester last time while Master Of Verse, a winner over hurdles in Ireland, has changed yards and Ramonex was due to run at Catterick yesterday.
Copain De Classe (FR) 3-1fav (11-4) Held up in touch, challenged on outside 3 out, every chance next, one pace between last 2, ridden and no impression with front pair flat, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Benatar (12-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Robbing The Prey (IRE) 15-8jfav (10-11) Tracked leader, led soon after 4th, not fluent and headed 8th, led again before 3 out, clear before last, easily, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Derintoher Yank (11-8) by 11l, 4 ran.
Azzuri 4-11fav (12-0) Led, headed 4 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 4, 14 3/4l behind King Alfonso (11-2) at Worcester 2m (4) gd in Sep.
Master Of Verse (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up early, improved to chase leaders in 3rd from 3rd, slight mistake 4 out, pushed along 2 out, ridden last, no extra run-in, kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 13 1/2l behind Jimmy Two Times (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 3f Yielding in Aug.
Ramonex (GER) 20-1 (11-2) Led to 9th, led again 10th, headed before 2 out, no extra and lost 2nd place after last, 3rd of 5, 5 1/4l behind Divine Spear (11-2) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gs in Nov.
