held up in rear, almost upsides 12th, led narrowly 13th, ridden before 3 out, drew clear 2 out, pushed out
led, headed 2nd, disputed lead 9th, headed and soon beaten 4 out
pressed leader, led 2nd, joined 9th, headed narrowly 4 out, ridden before 2 out, soon one pace
This revolves around whether or not LOST IN MONTMARTRE takes up the engagement, having been due to run at Kempton yesterday. If going to the well again, he is hard to oppose off his featherweight after scoring over this course and distance with plenty to spare last month. In his absence Neville's Cross would be the choice. He is not the easiest customer or fluent fencer but is more than capable on a going day as two of his last three starts reveal. Lord Bryan has a course and distance win on his CV but has been most disappointing on his last three outings.
Neville's Cross (IRE) 16-5 (11-12) Held up towards rear, chased leaders 9th, pushed along and slow jump 5 out, ridden on home turn, pressed leaders 3 out, left in lead 2 out, hung left run-in, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) gf in Oct beating Carolines Charm (11-12) by 3 3/4l, 6 ran.
Lord Bryan (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Led 3rd, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 7, 27 3/4l behind Northern Bound (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Lost In Montmartre (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) Led, jumped well, shaken up when in command before last, stayed on well, unchallenged, won at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) gf in Oct beating Jubilympics (11-8) by 9 1/2l, 3 ran.
