LADY BUTTONS is hard to oppose in this. Philip Kirby’s mare arrives on the back of success in a Listed novices’ chase at Bangor and should have the measure of Work Du Breteau on these terms. The latter is penalised for an earlier win at Worcester but finished a distant second of three at Wetherby more recently. Central Flame is struggling to complete let alone win and has a tough task at the weights, as does Princess Tara.
Work Du Breteau (FR) 9-4 (11-11) Led and soon clear until mistake 5 out, ridden and headed before 4 out, soon weakened, left remote 2nd 2 out, walked across line, 2nd of 3, dist behind Some Invitation (11-4) at Wetherby 3m (4) gs in Nov.
Central Flame 40-1 (11-6) With leader and keen, mistake 10th, quickly lost place and dropped into rear, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out, at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Lady Buttons 4-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, smooth progress after 3 out, every chance last, led run in, ran on well, won at Bangor 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Nov beating Dusky Legend (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Princess Tara (IRE) 3-1 (11-8) Chased winner until 10th, chased leading pair until after 12th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Bigirononhiship (11-11) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
