led, headed approaching 3 out, no chance with winner from 2 out, held on for 2nd
chased leaders, weakening when mistake 3 out
held up in 3rd, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon beaten, weakened approaching 2 out, hung right approaching last
held up in rear, headway to go 3rd 3 out, closed on 2nd after last, no chance with winner
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, drew clear from 2 out, ran on well, easily
A small field, but The Nightingale, Chariot Charger and Pouvoir all have their merits, with preference being for THE NIGHTINGALE. Paul Nicholls' charge is trying fences for the first time after some successful outings over hurdles, and if taking to the bigger obstacles, should be the one to beat. Sixth in The Ballymore at Cheltenham last year, he was very disappointing next time out, finishing distressed after being in contention. He's had a lay-off since April, and should be raring to go, but with a couple of question marks, he's far from a penalty kick. There can be a question mark too over Chariot Charger as he fell last time out after previously finishing runner up on his chase debut. He's comfortable in testing conditions though. Pouvoir hasn't raced since finishing last but one of last year's Coral Cup, so again there may be a fitness doubt, especially as that was only his second run in two years. This is his chase debut too, so again there may be a question mark about his jumping. He's the only one to have an official mark, and most of his races have been among better opposition than this. The market's likely to centre around this trio, and with an if or but about them all it's not a case of lumping on, but we'll side with The Nightingale.
Chariot Charger (IRE) 13-8 (11-0) Held up, took closer order 7th, mistake 9th, 8 lengths 3rd, staying on when fell 3 out, in a race won by Pocket Aces (11-6) at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (3) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Commanche Dream 18-1 (11-0) Close up, ridden 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 14, 17l behind Voltigger Hill (11-0) at Lingfield 2m mdn nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
Pouvoir (FR) 25-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, virtually pulled up run in, 26th of 27, well behind Ninetieth Minute (10-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl G3 (1) gs in Mar.
Son Of Flicka 14-1 (10-7) Pulled hard, tracked leader, joined leader 4 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, 7th of 12, 22l behind Zabeel Palace (10-3) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov.
The Nightingale (FR) 4-9fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, led 9th, headed approaching 3 out, lost 2nd when not fluent 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 11, 12l behind Midnight Sail (11-6) at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (3) gd in Apr.
