chased leader, slightly awkward landing 4 out, switched left before next, led from 2 out, jumped left last, soon headed and not pace of winner
chased leaders, not fluent when closing 2 out, challenged last, soon led and quickened clear
always last, tailed off 10th
led, driven after 3 out, headed from next, 3rd and beaten last
BUVEUR D’AIR was only beaten once over hurdles and that was in the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham when third to stablemate Altior and the much-vaunted Min, current market leaders for next year’s Arkle. He later won a Grade 1 at Aintree and it will be surprise if he can’t take advantage here of the 8lb he receives from Cloudy Dream. Malcolm Jefferson’s novice was no mug himself over timber and has taken well to fences. Whatever happens today, he remains a nice prospect. The filly Chic Name is preferred to What's Up Rory of the others but they will be playing for places barring accidents.
Cloudy Dream (IRE) 4-6fav (10-10) In rear and in touch, went 2nd before 4 out on bit, led 3 out, clear before last, easily, won at Haydock 2m (2) sft in Nov beating Pain Au Chocolat (11-7) by 12l, 4 ran.
Buveur D'Air (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to challenge before last, stayed on well flat, led towards finish, won at Aintree 2m (1) gs in Apr beating Petit Mouchoir (11-4) by nk, 11 ran.
What's Up Rory (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) (h) hdwy 7; went 2nd 9; wknd aft 2 out, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Hit The Diff (12-0) at Hereford P-t-p Course 3m mdn gf in May.
Chic Name (FR) (10-7) 5th of 9, 9 1/4l behind Capivari (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 3f sft in Nov.
