OMESSA HAS has been kept to hurdles since joining Nicky Henderson but she was placed over fences at Auteuil back in 2015 and can put her mares’ allowance to good use here. Theo's Charm won his bumper here and has run well in both starts so far over the larger obstacles. He’ll be getting his head in front sooner rather than later while Doncaster runner-up Winner Massagot is getting closer. Royal Classic hinted at ability over hurdles but has a very long absence to overcome.
Royal Classic (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, closed 4th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 8th of 9, dist behind Double Shuffle (11-7) at Newbury 2m (4) gs in Mar.
Theo's Charm (IRE) 7-4 (11-0) Left in 2nd place and bumped 1st, disputed lead after, went left 11th and pushed along, ridden and every chance before 4 out until lost 2nd 4 out, one pace and no impression in 3rd 2 out, modest 2nd again run-in, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Robinsfirth (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f (3) sft in Jan.
Winner Massagot (FR) 22-1 (10-12) Held up, closed 4th, mistake 9th, 2nd after 4 out, 6 lengths down when left in lead and slightly hampered 2 out, not fluent and headed last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Querry Horse (10-7) at Doncaster 2m 3f (4) gd in Jan.
Omessa Has (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, driven and one pace in 5th run-in, 5th of 15, 6l behind Doesyourdogbite (11-9) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
