chased leaders, ridden, every chance 3 out, weakened after next
chased leader, led 8th, ridden, headed 2 out, soon weakened
refused to race, took no part
held up, headway 6th, led 2 out, soon clear, comfortably
started very slowly, always behind
led, jumped badly left, headed 8th, soon weakened
A decent looking novice chase for this time of year with Perouse, Escompter and Dawton looking nice prospects with the vote going to the classy Perouse. This horse proved a revelation over hurdles two years ago going from winning handicaps to winning in grade one company at the likes of Cheltenham. He proved good enough to go to the Champion Hurdle with a chance and although he stated to lose his form thereafter if he was to reproduce half of it he will win. Escompter has had to settle for second place behind some tidy horses the last twice and it looks as though he may have to do the same again, his only advantage being his experience over the larger obstacles. Dawton comes from a yard in form and looked a nice prospect last year over hurdles so is worth noting in the market. But for the winner we return to Perouse.
Code Sign (USA) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, bumped 3rd, behind 5th, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Desert Air (11-9) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Oct.
Dawton (POL) 50-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, jumped slowly and lost place next, tailed off approaching 3 out, 8th of 9, well behind Marcel (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gd in Nov.
Dhaudeloup (FR) 3-1 (11-6) Took keen hold, held up behind leaders, weakening when not much room after 2 out, 5th of 7, 50l behind Tensile (11-6) at Folkestone 2m 6f sll hdl (G) gs in Jan.
Perouse 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, lost place after 5th, kept on approaching last, never dangerous, 5th of 11, 12l behind Coat of Honour (10-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in May.
Cheeky Lad 33-1 (10-7) Led, soon clear, headed 10th, soon beaten, 3rd of 6, well behind Flying Spirit (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (E) gf in May.
Escompteur (FR) 6-4fav (10-11) Behind, chased leader from 4th, led 10th, headed after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Flying Spirit (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (E) gf in May.
Ela Figura 150-1 (10-5) Always in rear, no chance when pulled up at the 6th in race won by Stance (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (D) gf in May, 7 ran.
