tracked leaders and keen, ridden after 4 out, outpaced when hit 2 out, no danger after
led 2nd, hit 2 out, soon ridden, driven out flat
held up in touch, not fluent 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, every chance last, ridden and hung left flat, kept on
led to 2nd, outpaced and behind from 4 out
tracked leaders, hit 7th, ridden and hit 2 out, one pace from last
held up in rear, jumped slowly 6th, stayed on well from last
In the opener, Neptune Collonges gets the call ahead of Five Colours and Accordello. Given the underfoot conditions, this looks like a good chance for Neptune Collonges to add to his wins for the season. He gained his second Grade 2 victory of the campaign when beating Rimsky at Wetherby last time and is fully entitled to be the highest-rated of these runners by a considerable margin. Alan King's Five Colours looks progressive and came up against a good one when beaten by Yaboya last time, while Rimsky's trainer sends out Jeremy Cuddle Duck today. He looked good in winning his first three races but has a little to prove now after a poor effort last time. That said, he could still get amongst the money, while Accordello is one for the future and will certainly appreciate today's trip better than the ones she has so far been running over. Overall, though, Neptune Collonges is clearly the one to beat.
Jeremy Cuddle Duck (IRE) 10-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, lost place approaching 4th, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Black Jack Ketchum (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gs in Nov, 18 ran.
Neptune Collonges (FR) 2-5fav (11-11) Made all, clear approaching last, won at Wetherby 3m 1f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft beating Rimsky (11-11) by 7l, 5 ran.
Five Colours (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) In touch, led approaching 3 out, headed and not quicken close home, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Yaboya (11-4) at Leicester 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) gd.
Gritti Palace (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 3rd, ridden to chase leader 2 out, chance flat, no extra, 2nd of 15, 3/4l behind Alfasonic (10-12) at Towcester 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Rathowen (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, led 7th, clear from 2 out, easily, won at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Notaproblem (12-0) by 18l, 8 ran.
Accordello (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Held up in touch, never dangerous, 4th of 5, 31l behind Nous Voila (11-8) at Haydock 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan.