led until 6th, chased leader, led briefly before mistake next, chased leader until before 4 out, weakened quickly before next
tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd before 3 out where hit, led on long run before 2 out, soon clear, stayed on strongly, easily
held up in touch in last pair, not fluent 8th, headway approaching 4 out, went 3rd blundered 3 out, soon driven along and one pace, weakening when stumbled next, lost 3rd soon after
tracked leader, led 6th, headed briefly before next, ridden and headed on long run before 2 out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner
held up in rear in touch in rear, not fluent 8th, headway on inside before 3 out, driven along and outpaced in 4th on long run before 2 out, plugged on in modest 3rd between last 2
tracked leaders on outside, went 2nd approaching 4 out until before next, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out, tailed off
Nicky Henderson sets a poser by saddling two in this. Both are likely to be prominent in the betting but Duke Debarry’s second at Haydock looks better form than the victory of Chef Des Obeaux at Uttoxeter and Jerry McGrath’s mount is capable of further improvement. The Presenting gelding was almost 15 lengths behind SECRET INVESTOR over 2m5f here in November, however, and may struggle to turn the tables despite the longer trip. This is a much better race than the one that Royal Magic won at Towcester and he also has a penalty, though he did finish well ahead of The Devils Drop.
Royal Magic (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Led until after 3rd, led 5th, clear after 3 out, 7 lengths ahead next, reduced lead from last but never really looked liked being caught, won at Towcester 2m 5f (4) gd in Nov beating Linenhall (11-4) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Chef Des Obeaux (FR) 2-5fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, disputed lead from 5th, led narrowly after 4 out, driven before 2 out, kept on under pressure flat, held on towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Dec beating Bob Mahler (11-2) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Duke Debarry (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, went 2nd from 2nd until 6th, challenged 3 out until last, 3 lengths down flat, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Ravensdale (10-12) at Haydock 2m 3f (3) hvy in Dec.
Secret Investor 2-1fav (10-12) Chased leading pair, left in close 2nd after 6th, trying to challenge when mistake 2 out, kept on under pressure run-in, not reach winner, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Way Back Then (10-12) at Kempton 2m 5f (4) gd in Nov.
The Devils Drop (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Tracked leaders on inside, not fluent 4th, weakened before 2 out, 3rd of 8, 18 3/4l behind Royal Magic (10-12) at Towcester 2m 5f (4) gd in Nov.
The Lion Dancer (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) In rear, under pressure 4 out, never on terms, tailed off, 6th of 11, dist behind Samuel Jackson (10-12) at Taunton 3m (4) sft in Dec.
