held up, in touch, steady headway 14th, chased leader 4 out, led 2 out, soon driven, 2 lengths clear last, held on under pressure all out
soon tracking leaders, ridden 13th, hit next, one pace and no impression after 4 out
led 4th, driven, mistake and headed 2 out, rallied gamely under pressure flat , just held
led to 4th, chased leader to 12th, weakened next
held up, headway 9th, chased leaders from 13th, stayed on same pace from after 4 out
in touch, ridden 11th, went 2nd next, hit 14th, lost 2nd 4 out and soon weakened
chased leaders, driven along from 11th, weakened approaching 4 out
Kock De La Vesre gets the nod over Irish Raptor, while it would also be folly to rule out Whereareyouknow even though he was raise 14lb for his success at Cheltenham earlier in the month. The nine-year-old has won off a higher marks in the past and, as he should have very few problems with the ground, he holds solid claims of making the frame in this company. Irish Raptor seems to have got his act together well just now and seemed to relish making the running when winning here a fortnight ago. He is also rising up the weights but may still have a little left up his sleeve. Haggle Twins is worth a cautionary look in the betting, as he won a hatful of races for Francis Crowley during his time in Ireland. Charlie Mann can place him to good effect in due course and he is one to note for the future. However, Kock De La Vesre makes the most appeal for the time being, as he is very well treated on the best of his past form. Venetia Williams has enjoyed a good strike-rate during the last fortnight and everything seems to have dropped just right for her charge today.
Tango Royal (FR) 16-1 (10-13) Mid-division, mistakes 4th and 5th, ridden to go in touch 16th, chased leader from 3 out, faded last, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Harris Bay (11-1) at Ascot 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov.
Kock de La Vesvre (FR) 4-1 (11-4) In touch, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden, went 2nd 2 out, no further impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Naunton Brook (11-0) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft.
Irish Raptor (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) With leader, led from 2nd, kept on well from 2 out, won at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs (3) sft beating Heltornic (11-1) by 8l, 7 ran.
Whereareyounow (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) Made all, hard pressed from 3 out, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft beating Mambo Des Mottes (10-11) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Desailly 5-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, moderate headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, 8th of 9, well behind Lou Du Moulin Mas (11-4) at Newbury 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Haggle Twins (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, hit 7th, outpaced next, chased winner and hit 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Roman Ark (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Would You Believe 11-4 (10-13) Chased leaders, lost place 4th, headway 9th, mistake next, rallied 3 out, chased winner 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 8l behind King Coal (10-5) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd.
