prominent, led home turn, ridden and headed 2 out when not fluent, soon no extra
chased leader, ridden to lead 2 out, challenged last, headed flat, rallied to lead close home, gamely
led, ridden 4 out, headed home turn, weakened before last
in rear, headway going well 2 out, upsides last and every chance, led flat, kept on well, headed close home
held up, not fluent throughout, struggling from 5 out, never involved
NonRunner
DE LEGISLATOR is very much the ‘dark horse‘ here despite toting topweight as he looked a most promising type before suffering a first defeat in a hot Grade 2 hurdle on his final start last season. He was always going to be a chaser and this winner of his sole run in the pointing sphere can concede weight all round. No Regrets is by far the most experienced handicapper and chaser on show and his fencing knowledge should see him in the mix, especially as he is the only member of the sextet with guaranteed fitness to call upon. Prince Des Fichaux is an interesting prospect for fences and has a first start for this yard since leaving Sam Thomas, but Gentleman De Mai completes the shortlist as he has three chase starts under his belt and can prove a competitive handicapper this term.
Prince Des Fichaux (FR) 3-1fav (11-10) Prominent, led 11th, hit 15th, pushed along before 4 out, stayed on well from 2 out, won at Ffos Las 3m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Robyndzone (11-8) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Gentleman De Mai (FR) 7-1 (10-13) Prominent until 2nd, chased leaders, bad mistake and lost place 5th, closed 12th, no impression 3 out, 5th of 13, 18 1/4l behind If Not For Dylan (11-2) at Perth 3m 7f hcp (3) sft in Apr.
Had To Be Hugo (IRE) 2-1 (11-8) In rear, pushed along after 7th, headway 4 out, went 2nd after 3 out, every chance flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Carlow Farmer (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Apr.
No Regrets (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Chased leading pair, pushed along before 3 out, ridden and every chance before 2 out, kept on same pace after last, no match for first two, 3rd of 5, 6 1/4l behind Snipe (11-4) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Warriors Story 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along and weakened quickly after 2 out, pulled up before last, at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in May.
De Legislator (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Raced on inside, soon towards rear, left remote 5th at the last, never involved, 5th of 12, 24 1/4l behind Makin'yourmindup (11-2) at Haydock 3m (1) gs in Feb.
