tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, chased winner after next, no impression
always prominent, hit 8th, in 3rd and weakening when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, mistake 8th, soon ridden, weakened, left poor 3rd 2 out
made all, kept on well from last, ridden out
A trappy opener to begin with and Principe Azzurro is preferred to Tidal Fury and Flying Enterprise. Principe Azzurro has kept good company this year and the race he took at Towcester looked to be particularly hot. Henry Daly's team are a little hot and cold at the moment but this horse looks to be progressing well enough to get the vote. Tidal Fury has ability although he does not always consent to use it. The top juvenile hurdler in France last season, he has to be forgiven a below par effort on his latest run. Flying Enterprise hails from a yard that are sending out winners. Rated in the mid 130's over hurdles, it is interesting that connections have opted to drop in trip.Offemont is still a maiden and has plenty to do in this company. Principe Azzurro gets the nod.
Flying Enterprise (IRE) 5-6fav (10-11) Made all, ridden approaching 2 out, in command when hit last, pushed out, won at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (4) gs in Nov beating Captain Windsor (11-0) by 5l, 7 ran.
Principe Azzurro (FR) 5-2fav (11-0) Prominent, led 6th to after 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, led and hung left flat, stayed on, won at Towcester 2m nov chs (3) hvy in Nov beating Flintoff (10-11) by a nk, 5 ran.
Offemont (FR) (10-6) In touch to 3 out, soon beaten, 9th of 13, 21l behind Soyeux De Beaufai (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 6f amt chs sft in May.
Tidal Fury (IRE) 10-11fav (10-11) Prominent, led after 4th, ridden and headed 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out, 4th of 6, 26l behind Buena Vista (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (2) sft.
Arumun (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Behind until blundered and fell 5 out in race won by Opera Mundi (10-11) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov, 10 ran.