jumped well, led until approaching 2nd, tracked leader until 5th, handy 3rd, 2nd travelling well approaching 2 out, upsides on bit last, nudged into lead run-in, soon clear, impressive
keen, with leader until went on approaching 2nd, fiddled 4th, pushed along after 2 out, joined last, ridden headed and easily outpaced run-in, no chance with winner
took keen hold and jumped right, close 3rd, tracked leader 5th, pecked on landing 4 out, lost 2nd approaching 2 out, weakened
Another small field but this offers up a fascinating clash between last year’s winner ALTIOR and the much-improved Politologue. The former boasts four Grade 1 victories among an unblemished 12-race record over hurdles and fences but his trainer believes he may be vulnerable on his comeback. Paul Nicholls’ grey is three from three this season but, despite obvious progress, may still lack the class of his market rival. Valdez is having a first run in more than three years and also has a mountain to climb on these terms.
Altior (IRE) (11-7) Tracked leader, switched left after 3 out, soon challenged, led after next, 2 lengths clear when not fluent last, ridden clear flat, comfortably, won at Sandown 2m (1) gd in Apr beating Special Tiara (11-7) by 8l, 4 ran.
Politologue (FR) 8-15fav (11-6) Tracked leader, left in lead 8th, clear before 3 out, pushed along and well in command when not fluent last, stayed on strongly, won at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Vaniteux (11-4) by 13l, 4 ran.
Valdez 3-1fav (11-12) Held up mid-division, headway 5 out, in 3rd and going well when fell 2 out, at Chepstow 2m hcp (2) sft in Oct.
