tracked leaders, disputing 2nd after 3rd until after 6th, ridden to chase winner before 3 out, no impression flat
made all, driven clear flat, unchallenged
tracked leaders, disputing 2nd after 3rd, challenged 7th until not fluent 4 out, weakening when mistake 3 out
chased winner, jumped left 3rd, soon last, not fluent 6th, outpaced 8th, well beaten after, went 3rd 2 out
Dual bumper winner Coup De Pinceau finished runner-up in a maiden hurdle at Taunton last month and first-time headgear is applied today. He should go close for the Nicholls yard but ANOTHER STOWAWAY found only Equus Secretus, now rated 139, too good at Southwell in November and that looks the stronger form. Tom George’s charge is taken to edge the opener with the remaining pair looking up against it on these terms.
Another Stowaway (IRE) 4-6fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 4th, ridden to challenge after 3 out, soon every chance, weakening when not fluent last, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Equus Secretus (11-5) at Southwell 3m (4) gd in Nov.
Coup De Pinceau (FR) 2-1fav (11-0) Mid-division, not fluent 2nd headway before next, not fluent 9th, outpaced after 3 out, went 2nd and rallied from last, stayed on, not trouble winner, 2nd of 13, 2 1/4l behind Applesolutely (10-7) at Taunton 3m mdn (4) sft in Jan.
Imperial Eloquence (IRE) 17-2 (10-12) Behind, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, dist behind Coole Hall (11-3) at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Dec.
Tokaramore 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, in 3rd before last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 9 3/4l behind Toboggan's Fire (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m (4) sft in Jan.
