French Opera made giant strides last winter and it would be no surprise to see him run well on his reappearance but Barry Geraghty, who was on board for each of his three wins, prefers Petit Robin. The seven-year-old had I'msingingtheblues behind when successful in this 12 months ago and chased home Master Minded on his return to action at Cheltenham when I'm So Lucky was back in fourth. But Nicky Henderson's gelding has to concede 5lb to TATANIANO, who looked a smart prospect when landing a Grade 1 novices' event at Aintree in the spring and should be all the better for his run at Cheltenham last month when trying to give weight to Gauvain and Forpadydeplasterer.
Cornas (NZ) 8-1 (11-8) Mid-division on inside, chased leaders 3 out, kept on same pace under pressure from next, never on terms, 4th of 13, 24l behind Woolcombe Folly (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs (2) gs.
I'm So Lucky 22-1 (11-7) Led and clear with one other, mistake and headed 4 out, outpaced when switched right next, lost place before 2 out, soon beaten, lost 3rd after last, 4th of 9, 21l behind Master Minded (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) gs.
Petit Robin (FR) 6-1 (11-7) Tracked leader and clear, hit 6th, led 4 out, headed 2 out, ridden last, no chance with winner flat, held on for 2nd near finish, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Master Minded (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) gs.
French Opera 7-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 4 out, led 2 out, kept on well, ridden out, won at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Apr beating Tchico Polos (11-7) by 6l, 5 ran.
Tataniano (FR) 7-4 (11-5) Raced keenly, led, joined when hit 3 out, headed and dropped to 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Gauvain (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m chs (2) gs in Nov.
I'msingingtheblues (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Always in rear, 8th of 13, 39l behind Woolcombe Folly (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs (2) gs.
