led, hit 10th, not fluent 12th, ridden before 2 out, joined last, headed and not pace of winner close home
tracked leader, slight peck 10th, pushed along before 3 out, outpaced to 3rd approaching last
took keen hold, held up in close 3rd and waited with, travelling strongly when switched left after 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, quickened to challenge last, led close home
It's more than a year since CHAMPION COURT was in the winner's enclosure but he should put that right today. Considering he was always up with the pace, Martin Keighley's stable star kept on really well to finish fourth in the King George over 3m here in December and it's unlikely either of his two rivals today will get him off the bridle over this shorter trip. Domtaline's two wins over fences have come over this trip but he has a lot to find at the weights against the selection and Alasi has never won outside of novice company over the larger obstacles, though is a Grade 2 winner over hurdles.
Champion Court (IRE) 25-1 (11-10) Led or disputed lead to 11th, led again next, ridden before 3 out, headed soon after, kept on same pace, weakened before last, 4th of 9, 17l behind Long Run (11-10) at Kempton 3m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec.
Domtaline (FR) 9-4 (11-6) Chased leading trio, went 3rd 8th, challenged 2 out, led between last 2, ridden and strongly pressed last, headed flat and soon switched right, kept on same pace, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind William's Wishes (11-11) at Sandown 2m hcp chs (2) sft in Jan.
Alasi 20-1 (11-8) Held up in 4th, closed 3 out, pushed along and chased winner approaching 2 out, soon every chance, held soon after last, no extra flat, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Une Artiste (11-8) at Sandown 2m 4f mrs lst hdl (1) hvy in Jan.
