prominent, chased winner 3rd, ridden approaching 4 out, blundered 2 out, soon weakened, lost 2nd flat
chased winner until mistake and unseated rider 3rd
held up last, left 3rd 3rd, lost touch 5th, stayed on from 2 out, kept on to go distant 2nd flat
made all and jumped well, unchallenged throughout
Master Minded is the clear pick at these weights and gets the vote ahead of Mister Quasimodo in this small field. The Paul Nicholls-trained selection makes his British debut after three wins from eight starts at Auteuil when with Guillaume Macaire. This drop back in trip should be no problem, he acts with cut and can take his chance for the champion trainer. Mister Quasimodo comes from an in-form yard and if there are any slip ups with the selection then he is most likely to benefit. All his wins have come with juice on the ground and he's caught a couple of good ones over fences so far in Twist Magic and Howle Hill so he is very much respected. The other two look like having their own private race for third, but Master Minded is taken to score.
Gray Steel (FR) (10-1) In touch to 3 out, weakened quickly, 6th of 8, 42l behind Zaiyad (11-0) at Auteuil 2m 5f hdl hvy in Nov.
Master Minded (FR) (10-6) Held up, improved to have every chance last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Remember Rose (10-6) at Auteuil 2m 4f chs Grd 1 (1) in May.
Deep Quest 16-1 (10-11) Held up behind, headway approaching 10th, ridden approaching 4 out, held when blundered 2 out, 2nd of 13, 5l behind River Indus (10-6) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Mister Quasimodo 8-1 (10-7) In touch, headway 4 out, chased leading pair 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Howle Hill (10-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.
