raced in 3rd, challenged going well 2 out, soon led, quickened clear
led, hit 3 out, soon ridden, joined 2 out, soon headed and outpaced by winner
never really travelling in rear, reminders after 4th and 11th, blundered next, soon lost interest, tailed off
chased leader, driven approaching 2 out, soon outpaced
DON'T BE BLEU can put another notch on the winning post for in-form trainer Peter Bowen. Miss Doublet and Just Poppytee can give her the most think about, while Portrait Royale completes the line-up but has to prove her willingness to deliver on her promises, so is overlooked as the best bet on this occasion. The selection has thrived since she joined the Bowen team - showing great improvement over hurdles. The switch to fences is a logical one and a bold bid looks assured. Miss Doublet has experience of chasing and, as a likely pacesetter; she would be dangerous if she is allowed an easy time up front. The ground will suit Seamus Mullins' charge but she still needs to be at the top of her game against less exposed rivals. Just Poppytee has not stood much racing during the last two seasons and her quick reappearance after falling at Plumpton (eight days ago) has to be a concern. Still, she does have the ability to figure in a race like this and appeals as the best alternative if the selection fails to sparkle.
Don't Be Bleu (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Took keen hold, mid-division, headway 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 12, 17l behind Jam Packed (11-9) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Sept.
Just Poppytee 11-4 (11-7) Keen hold, tracked leader, led 6th until fell at the 12th in race won by Spanchil Hill (10-4) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Nov, 6 ran.
Miss Doublet 13-2 (10-9) Led, headed 4th, mistake next and 9th, ridden 13th, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 10, 15l behind Dillay Brook (11-9) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Nov.
Portrait Royale (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) With leaders, led approaching 3 out and fell 2 out in race won by Willy The Slip (11-12) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Nov, 9 ran.
