tracked leaders, went 2nd from 6th, challenged 7th, led next but strongly pressed, driven approaching 2 out, mistake and headed last, stayed on, held towards finish
held up in touch in 4th, closed 8th, challenged next, shaken up before 2 out, better jump than rival to lead last, ridden out
tracked leader until 6th, every chance before mistake 3 out, outpaced by front pair after, kept on
held up in last, not fluent 2nd, outpaced from 6th, well behind 4 out
led until 8th, 4th and outpaced from 4 out, no impression on leaders
Sire De Grugy may have been a shade fortunate to keep the Tingle Creek at Sandown just over three weeks ago having hampered runner-up Special Tiara at the last. But the former champion still beat Vibrato Valtat and Somersby fair and square and won't be far away again if reproducing that form. But SPRINTER SACRE, another on the comeback trail, looked back to his imperious best when trouncing Somersby by 14 lengths in this grade at Cheltenham on his reappearance and can come out on top here as well if in the same mood. Sir Valentino is in good form but has a mountain to climb at the weights as he bids for a four-timer.
Sire De Grugy (FR) 10-3 (11-7) Tracked leader until after 2nd tracked leading pair, left 2nd 3rd, led 9th, clear before 2 out where not fluent, narrow lead when went badly left last, driven run-in, all out, won at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Dec beating Special Tiara (11-7) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Sprinter Sacre (FR) 15-8fav (11-0) Tracked leeaders, smooth headway to lead after 4 out, pushed clear from 2 out, stayed on strongly, impressive, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov beating Somersby (11-0) by 14l, 6 ran.
Vibrato Valtat (FR) 11-4fav (11-7) Held up tracking leaders, left in 3rd place 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, driven and one pace approaching last, 3rd of 7, 7 3/4l behind Sire De Grugy (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Dec.
Sir Valentino (FR) 9-4fav (11-12) Chased leader, led 5 out, hard ridden when challenegd at last, stayed on strongly, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) sft in Dec beating Jayo Time (11-8) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Somersby (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, stumbled 1st, left in 4th place at 3rd, hit 4 out, ridden and no extra next, 4th of 7, 13 3/4l behind Sire De Grugy (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Dec.
