made all, jumped well, unchallenged
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, not fluent next, hit 6th, soon pulled up
held up, chased winner from 8th, no impression before 2 out but not given hard time, hit last
chased winner until 8th, well beaten 3 out
Having won well here in July, CAIUS MARCIUS has again undergone the long trip from Cumbria. The looks no tougher and Nicky Richards’ eight-year-old should record a fourth win in five chases. Court Royale did well over hurdles last season and looks the type to take to fences. He has more scope than Aintree My Dream, who is only 1-8 over the larger obstacles and needs further. Kapoupakap would be a surprise winner.
Caius Marcius (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Chased leader, led 3 out, reminder approaching last and flat, ran on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m (3) gd in Jul beating Ennistown (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 3 ran.
Aintree My Dream (FR) 5-2 (11-4) Held up in touch, led 6th, headed 6 out, no extra and lost 2nd place run-in, 3rd of 5, 15 3/4l behind Deyrann de Carjac (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 5f (4) sft in May.
Court Royale (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway after 2 out, stayed on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 7, 10 1/4l behind Teqany (10-12) at Stratford 2m hcp (2) gd in Sep.
Kapoupakap (FR) 20-1 (10-7) Held up and behind, pushed along after 3 out, soon struggling, 7th of 12, 29l behind Ourmullion (11-5) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
