made all, kept on strongly from last, pushed out
chased winner, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, held from last
held up in touch, not fluent 4th, went 3rd approaching 2 out, stayed on, never troubled leading pair
held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out
held up, not fluent 2nd, struggling 5th, hit 3 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, struggling 5th, weakened after 3 out
Ashkazar has most to fear from Grand Schlem with Chance Du Roy possibly best of the rest. A high class recruit from the Flat, David Pipe's runner made a hugely impressive start to his hurdling career when decimating a fair field at Wincanton. He was subsequently well held behind Franchoek in the Finale but not every horse takes to Chepstow and an impressive display this afternoon would put him right back in the frame for a crack at the Triumph Hurdle. Tatenen was one of those that finished in front of him at Chepstow and Grand Schlem has form that ties in with that one. Francois Doumen's runner was favourite to win a Listed Hurdle that eventually went to Tatenen in September but was still in contention when falling at the last. He has twice been returned a beaten favourite since then but commands respect. Chance Du Roy sprung a surprise when winning on his hurdling bow and this looks tougher whilst Bormo and Hurricane Thomas may fare better once handicapping. An interesting heat with Ashkazar the one to beat.
Ashkazar (FR) 7-4jt-fav (11-0) In touch and keen, hit 2nd, every chance 4 out, hung left from next and weakened, 4th of 12, 10l behind Franchoek (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec.
Chance Du Roy (FR) 25-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up towards rear, headway and not fluent 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, led last, driven clear flat, stayed on well, won at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Apocal (10-12) by 5l, 14 ran.
Bormo (FR) 11-2 (10-7) In touch, every chance 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Numide (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Grand Schlem (FR) 5-4 (10-4) Prominent until weakened from approaching last, beaten 29 lengths, 9th of 12, 29l behind Chercheur D'or (10-12) at Enghien 2m 1f NH flat in Oct.
Hurricane Thomas (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) In touch, under pressure after 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 28l behind Red Flare (10-7) at Kempton 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Irish Honours (IRE) 40-1 (9-9) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 13, 29l behind Call Me A Legend (10-5) at Towcester 1m 5f nhf (5) gd in Nov.
Pearl (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) Headway to go prominent 7f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 11l behind Scamperdale (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan (Flat).
