tracked leaders, went 2nd 2 out, ridden to challenge last, no impression flat
tracked leader, joined leader 4th, led between 3 out and 2 out, hit last, ridden and stayed on gamely flat
keen led, joined 4th, headed between 3 out and 2 out, tired when blundered 2 out
Matorico opened his account over hurdles with a win at Huntingdon last month under Richard Johnson. Barry Geraghty takes up his retained duties on Jonjo O'Neill's charge today but Johnson may still come out best back on board DUKE DES CHAMPS. The latter was no match for the winner when runner-up at Exeter last time but will be sharper for the run and can take advantage of the weight concession from Matorico. Both Stout Cortez and Bold Prince Rupert failed to complete their respective hurdling debuts and make no appeal.
Matorico (IRE) 11-4fav (10-12) Held up in mid-division, headway from 4th, 3rd and closing 3 out, 2 1/2 lengths down when hampered and left in lead last, stayed on, drawing clear final 100 yards, won at Huntingdon 2m (4) sft in Nov beating Linguine (10-12) by 3 3/4l, 11 ran.
Duke Des Champs (IRE) 11-4fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway after 7th, mistake next, not fluent 3 out, went 2nd when not fluent 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 16l behind Yala Enki (10-12) at Exeter 2m 6f (3) gs in Nov.
Stout Cortez 12-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, fell 3rd, at Leicester 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Bold Prince Rupert (IRE) 250-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off 6th, pulled up after 3 out, at Market Rasen 2m 3f (4) gs in Nov.
