jumped right on occasion, held up in rear, pecked 14th, soon nudged along, in touch approaching 4 out when jumped right and slow, weakened quickly and pulled up before next
led after 1st, headed briefly 12th, soon led again, nudged along before 4 out, headed 4 out, soon ridden, lost second next, no extra from 2 out, lost third after last
chased leaders, pushed along before 4 out, went second next, kept on from 2 out, no match for winner
led, headed after 1st, not fluent 3rd, lost second 11th, pushed along 15th, made no impression from 3 out, went third after last
in touch, good headway to go second 11th, good jump to lead briefly next, led 4 out, extended advantage next, stormed clear from last, impressive
The reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup holder, A PLUS TARD, began his championship-winning campaign last season when taking this Grade 1 contest in effortless fashion. Conditions are more testing now but the current champion remains extremely hard to oppose off level weights with his four rivals. Protektorat came home a highly creditable third in the Gold Cup and will probably be suited by the return to this trip. He's only seven and it would not surprise to see him progress again this season. Eldorado Allen ran well to hunt up Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and ties in closely on the ratings with the Skelton contender. His fitness is a major plus in the forecast testing conditions. This has been Bristol De Mai's 'Gold Cup' down the years and the popular grey has already landed this prize three times - although he did pull up here last season and faces a very stern task. Frodon and Bryony Frost were right back to form to land the Badger Beer at Wincanton last time and it will be fascinating to see if they choose to go head-to-head with Bristol De Mai from the front. The Nicholls charge is preferred of the pair.
A Plus Tard (FR) 3-1fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, closed 3 out, not much room final bend, soon had gap open and closed well to take 2nd 2 out, led last, quickened clear flat, impressive, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f (1) gs in Mar beating Minella Indo (11-10) by 15l, 11 ran.
Bristol De Mai (FR) 25-1 (11-7) Mid-division, slow 5th, mistake and lost place 14th, well behind 4 out, mistake 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) gs in Apr.
Eldorado Allen (FR) 11-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, closed 15th, outpaced 4 out, stayed on approaching last, went 2nd flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Bravemansgame (11-5) at Wetherby 3m (1) gs in Oct.
Frodon (FR) 9-4fav (12-0) Close up, led 10th, going best shaken up approaching 2 out, jumped left next, kept on well run in, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (1) gf in Nov beating Lord Accord (10-6) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Protektorat (FR) 5-2fav (11-7) Raced keenly, soon held up in touch in mid-division, mistake 11th, headway 13th, close 3rd 4 out, soon outpaced and lost place, well beaten from 3 out, went modest 4th before last, 4th of 9, 26l behind Clan Des Obeaux (11-7) at Aintree 3m 1f (1) gs in Apr.
