made all, shaken up approaching 2 out, ran on, comfortably
held up, chased winner from 7th, ridden 3 out, no chance with winner
tracked winner, blundered 3rd and 7th, ridden next, soon weakened
A small field goes to post for this novices chase and it looks a straight forward task for Duke Of Buckingham to get back on the winning trail. The gelding from the Paul Webber yard was a fair ninth behind Ballycasiddy in the summer plate last time out appearing not to stay the two mile four furlong trip. He will be suited by the drop back to this distance and with conditions in his favour he is impossible to oppose despite his double penalty. Dante's Brook rates the main danger on his latest third behind Amptina but that form has since been let down by the winner so he needs to improve again to score. Toad Hall looks outclassed so the confident vote goes to Duke Of Buckingham.
