close up in third, pushed along briefly 5 out and again after next, headway to press for lead 3 out, challenging when left clear 2 out, eased clear
detached in rear, never a factor
led, ridden slightly and pressed 3 out, headed soon after, left second 2 out but no extra
sat outside leader until taking it up after 3 out, travelling strongly when knuckled on landing and fell next
quickly became detached from front trio, jumped left at times and mistake 3 out, left moderate third 2 out
The three main contenders are very tightly matched on official ratings. Le Patriote, six-times a winner over hurdles, comfortably landed a novices' chase at Market Rasen before finding Grade 2 company too hot at Cheltenham. He'll be conceding 2lb to ELIXIR DE NUTZ, who won the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in January last year but didn't reappear until December with moderate runs at the highest level. His pedigree suggests he could be even better over fences so he looks an exciting prospect. Fast Buck has an even longer absence to overcome having last run behind Envoi Allen in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse when trained by Willie Mullins. Paul Nicholls will be delighted to have acquired him, however, and he's one to look forward to.
Le Patriote (FR) 18-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, lost place 4th, closed 7th, outpaced 3 out, well held when left 3rd 2 out, pressed for 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 19 1/4l behind Eldorado Allen (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
Cape Robin (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Behind, stayed on approaching last, went never dangerous 4th close home, 4th of 13, 27l behind Galice Macalo (10-11) at Stratford 2m (3) gs in Oct.
Elixir De Nutz (FR) 14-1 (11-7) Chased leader, led after 2nd, headed on long run before 2 out, lost 2nd and weakened before 2 out, 7th of 10, dist behind Epatante (11-0) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Fast Buck (FR) 33-1 (11-10) In rear, closer 7th 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 8th of 9, 25l behind Envoi Allen (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Dec.
Flight To Nowhere 10-1 (11-8) Held up and behind, pushed along and struggling approaching 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) hvy in Mar.
