mostly tracked leader, jumped slowly and lost 2nd briefly 4th, jumped slowly next, lost 2nd after 8th, ridden and beaten when went right 4 out, tailed off
held up in 3rd, went 2nd briefly 4th, went 2nd after 8th, challenged and hit 3 out, upsides when went left last, ridden to lead run-in, stayed on strongly
mostly jumped well, led, joined and hit 3 out, good jump 2 out, pressed when went left last, headed and no extra run-in
PRIDE OF LECALE doesn’t have many miles on the clock. His only win to date over fences came over this trip at Ffos Las and conditions look to be in his favour again. He gets 12lb from Oscars Leader, who carries a penalty for Saturday’s hard-fought victory at Newcastle. File Illico won at Wetherby in January but was only third off this mark at Ffos Las subsequently.
Oscars Leader (IRE) 15-8fav (11-12) Led, mistake 7th, pushed along and headed 4 out, switched right before next, ridden approaching 2 out, rallied after last, stayed on well to lead final strides, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) gs in Feb beating Ar Mest (11-0) by nk, 4 ran.
File Illico (FR) 4-1 (11-10) Chased leader 3rd until 6th, hit 8th, 2nd from 4 out, no impression on winner 2 out, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 6, 7 1/2l behind Billingsley (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) gs in Feb.
Pride Of Lecale 9-2 (11-4) Held up in 5th, pecked at 2nd, closer in 4th at 10th, 3rd before 4 out, ridden and weakened before awkward 2 out, 4th of 7, 14 1/4l behind Soldier Of Destiny (11-13) at Ffos Las 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Feb.