Black Poppy initiated a double when scoring over timber here in January and was well supported for his chasing debut at Ffos Las in October but reportedly broke a blood vessel. Trapista, a winner at Auteuil, made an impressive start for Jonjo O'Neill at Huntingdon last October but has failed to make the expected progress. Dual hurdles winner Cap Du Mathan was conceding 10lb when narrowly beaten on his chasing debut at Wincanton but has to give the same amount to MORIKO DE VASSY here and Tom Symonds' bumper and hurdles winner recovered from several bad mistakes to be beaten just a length on his debut over fences at Wetherby.
Cap Du Mathan (FR) 15-8 (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden to press leader 3 out, every chance 2 out, outpaced approaching last, kept on flat without threatening, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Stormin Crossgales (10-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Moriko De Vassy (FR) 13-8fav (11-3) Held up in touch, hit 1st, headway before 4th, went third when blundered and lost place 7th, bad mistake next, pushed along when not fluent 4 out, hit next, ridden approaching last, stayed on well to go second final 110yds, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Notlongtillmay (10-13) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Black Poppy 15-8fav (10-13) Jumped left on occasion, held up in touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on from next, 2nd of 5, 7 1/2l behind Straw Fan Jack (11-6) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Trapista (FR) 10-3 (12-2) Held up towards rear, hampered 4th, bumped 3 out, no impression next, 5th of 8, 11 1/4l behind Ile De Jersey (11-6) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
