jumped left at times, took keen hold, tracked leader, led 5th, clear 8th until after next, joined last, ridden and headed flat, found little
led until 5th, jumped left 7th, last 4 out, soon weakened
held up, mistake 9th, closed before 4 out, 3rd and beaten when edged right after last
held up, took keen hold, closed after 9th, 2nd from 4 out, challenged last, led flat, stayed on
Louis' Vac Pouch, a four-times winner over hurdles, could be an interesting recruit to fencing but has only had one run this season and has changed stables since last seen. Eddiemaurice has also won four times over timber, including at Kempton in December, but has a Flat pedigree so is best watched on this occasion. Charming Zen seems to be slowly regaining full fitness and has already placed twice over the larger obstacles but, after a confidence-booster over hurdles, STYLE DE GARDE can give the weight away if he’s on his best behaviour.
Style De Garde (FR) 4-1 (11-11) Pulled hard, held up in last pair, pushed along after 3 out, went 2nd and every chance last, no extra last 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Not That Fuisse (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Charming Zen (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Led, not fluent 2nd, clear 4th until 7th, headed 3 out, hung left flat, well held final 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind The Russian Doyen (11-8) at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Eddiemaurice (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, chasing leaders before 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 8, 6 3/4l behind Oakley (11-0) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Louis' Vac Pouch (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, driven after 4 out, well beaten before 2 out, 12th of 18, 17 1/4l behind Garo De Juilley (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (1) gd in Oct.
