tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, soon ridden to challenge, mistake last, kept on well
made all, hard driven 2 out, ran on strongly
tracked leader, driven to challenge after 4 out, jumped left next, soon weakened
chased leaders, slow 6th, struggling 8th, soon beaten
Kie has already had a couple of hard races this month and probably wouldn't relish another, though this flat track is probably in his favour. Private Equity doesn't look entirely straightforward but was only beaten a neck in two races either side of an easy victory at Huntingdon and won't be far away. But we just prefer UPSILON BLEU, even though he's conceding weight to his three rivals. He's adapted well since arriving from France and is the one most likely to appreciate the probable fast pace. It's difficult to fancy Sean Airgead on past form on his first start since November.
Upsilon Bleu (FR) Evensfav (11-4) In touch in 4th, mistake 1st, went 2nd before 5th, challenged 3 out, led before last, kept on well, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Mar beating Aibrean (10-5) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Kie (IRE) 7-2fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th (water), led 10th, ridden and edged right approaching last, headed flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Anay Turge (10-1) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp chs (0-135) (3) sft.
Private Equity (FR) 15-8fav (11-7) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, not fluent last, driven to close on winner final 100 yards, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Granville Island (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nov chs (4) gd.
Sean Airgead (IRE) 28-1 (10-7) Always behind, no impression straight, 13th of 20, well behind Tofino Bay (11-4) at Navan 3m hcp chs 0-150 hvy in Nov.
