took keen hold, led until after 3rd, with leader, ridden and lost 2nd before 3 out, well held 2 out
chased leaders, mistake 4th, went 2nd before 3 out, led 2 out, big jump last, clear flat, comfortably
with leader, led after 3rd, not fluent 8th, ridden and headed 2 out, no impression on winner from last
not always fluent in last, pushed along 7th, went 3rd 2 out, no impression
Bourbali has run in a couple of matches so far over fences, winning the second of those over 2m2f here last month. Nickle Back has only raced over 2m once before but gave a bold sight in this grade at Newbury last time until eventually outclassed by Hermes Allen. He’ll ensure there is a decent gallop but MASTER CHEWY may pick him off in the closing stages as he’s not been beaten far by a couple of classy individuals since dotting up at Aintree. Soul Icon was still just about in front when unseating at Wincanton and he’ll have learned plenty from that.
Bourbali (FR) 9-2 (11-4) Made all from sole rival, pushed along before 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Kempton 2m 2f (3) gs in Nov beating First Street (11-4) by 22l, 2 ran.
Master Chewy (IRE) 4-6fav (11-1) In rear, headway 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced, went 2nd from 2 out, stayed on well from last, never on terms, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Elixir De Nutz (12-1) at Newbury 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Nickle Back (IRE) 10-3 (11-4) Led and soon clear, reduced lead 4 out, ridden not fluent and headed 2 out, stayed on one pace, 2nd of 6, 6 1/2l behind Hermes Allen (11-4) at Newbury 2m 4f (1) gs in Dec.
Soul Icon 11-4 (11-5) Raced in last but well in touch, pressed leaders 9th, led 10th, mistake and unseated rider 2 out, at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
