chased leading pair, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened after 3 out, eased run-in
tracked leader, jumped slightly left from 4 out, ridden into narrow advantage last, edged left, driven out
led, ridden and jumped slightly left from 3 out, headed last, kept on
held up 4th, headway 8th, hit 4 out, soon ridden, no chance with leading pair from next
Big Buck's' jumping has been far from foot perfect but he has loads of talent and can repel the challenge of Kruguyrova. A high class hurdler in France he arrived with a big reputation and duly made a winning debut over fences when holding the useful Barbers Shop at bay by a neck. He was a warm order to make it two from two over 2 miles 3 here last time but never jumped fluently and failed to get the better of Arkle fancy Moon Over Miami despite receiving 10lbs. He should have the beating of Kruguyrova though. Charles Egerton's mare is a smart performer in her own right and has twice won impressively at Plumpton in fair contests. She should win again but may be biting off more than she can chew here. Oceanos Des Obeaux is better than he showed last time but has something to find with the main protagonists and Big Buck's should land the spoils.
Oceanos des Obeaux (FR) 11-2 (11-6) Disputed until 5th, tracked leaders, hit 7th, ridden after 11th, soon beaten, 3rd of 5, well behind Moon Over Miami (11-10) at Newbury 2m 2f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
Big Buck's (FR) 4-7fav (11-0) Disputed until 5th, tracked leader, hit 6th, jumped left 9th until blundered 4 out, soon ridden, kept on from last, held near finish, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Moon Over Miami (11-10) at Newbury 2m 2f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
Kruguyrova (FR) 11-10 (10-7) Tracked leader, led 3rd, quickened 8th, clear 3 out, eased flat, won at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) sft beating Its A Dream (10-12) by 22l, 5 ran.
Le Burf (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Held up, headway when blundered 4th, chased winner from 7th, mistake 3 out, no impression approaching 2 out, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Presenting Copper (10-7) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Gardasee (GER) 3-1 (11-0) Made all, hard pressed between last 2, ridden and stayed on gamely flat, won at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) hvy beating Chaninbar (10-7) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
