led, 5 lengths clear and going well when fell 2 out
chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 2 out, left clear next, ridden and headed after last, no extra
chased winner, ridden out of 3 out, weakening when left second next
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
in touch until weakened after 6, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
held up in touch, headway approaching 2 out, left 3rd, soon ridden, stayed on well to lead after last, ridden out
held up, headway to chase leaders after 4th, ridden after 6, one paced from 3 out
always behind, tailed off from 7th
always towards rear, tailed off from 7th
Escompteur gets the call in the opener ahead of Blue Endeavour, Loup Charter, Run Of Kings and Fire Danger. Escompteur is progressing and comes here seeking a hat-trick of wins. Much as he has to concede a good bit of weight to the field, he might just be able to do it, but does face some interesting opponents. Blue Endeavour showed plenty of promise in a light campaign last season and, even though this tip looks short of his best, he has to be considered. Isard du Buard showed form in bumpers but his form then tailed off, but Henrietta Knight's Loup Charter, a French-bred, is one to have a think about if supported. Fire Ranger has some fair placed efforts to her name but, overall, probably needs to improve to win, and Miss Fahrenheit has also shown promise - in bumpers - but may lack the hurdling experience necessary to feature. The Martin Pipe-trained Run Of Kings has also to be high on the shortlist after showing promise last season, but stable jockey Timmy Murphy will be on board Escompteur and that fact. for us, swings things in his favour.
