led, mistake 8th, reminder 4 out, ridden after 2 out, headed, flat, no extra
close up, headway to challenge approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, mistake 6th, headway when not fluent 3 out, ridden when mistake next, stayed on strongly to lead flat, kept on
Double Honour is taken to successfully give weight away to his three opponents, the best of whom may be Mondial Jack, with Exstoto the one likely to capitalize on any mishaps. Philip Hobbs has the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in mind for Double Honour, and this improving novice chaser should be up to completing a fourth victory over fences en-route. A decent stayer on the Flat for Mark Johnston, the six-year-old is a hard horse to pass when in front and meets Mondial Jack on three-pound better terms than at Hereford in January. That was on his chasing debut and the ground was much softer, and as he has improved a lot since then, should turn the tables on Pipe's charge. The latter has certainly made his mark since coming over from France, but has gone up the ratings accordingly and is there to oppose. Richard Fahey was more or less forced to send Exstoto over fences as his hurdles rating went up, and his staying on effort at Doncaster suggests that he will not be overawed. Almire du Lia looks out of it though, and in what looks a virtual match, Double Honour is the pick.
