made all, quickened clear between last 2, 3 lengths ahead last, rider eased up run-in, shaken up and came quickly clear again final 100 yards
chased winner throughout, unable to match pace of winner between last 2, 3 lengths down and hit last, tried to close as winning rider eased up briefly run-in, well held final 100 yards
always last, outpaced 3 out, never involved
BUVEUR D’AIR, the reigning champion, has only been beaten once in nine starts over hurdles. If anything, he’s improved again since his Cheltenham triumph last year and should have few problems recording a ninth straight victory in his final prep race before next month’s Festival. John Constable is a useful handicapper but only beat one home in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time and Cap’n has yet show much in the way of ability, though will pick up some nice prize money if completing.
Buveur D'Air (FR) 2-11fav (11-7) Tracked leader, shaken up briefly between last 2, led last, comfortably, won at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec beating The New One (11-7) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.
John Constable (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway from 2 out, close 5th last, ridden flat, not able to challenge, weakened towards finish, 6th of 7, 4 1/4l behind My Tent Or Yours (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Cap'n (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, lost place before 3 out, soon weakened, 14th of 15, 26 1/2l behind Django Django (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m (4) sft in Jan.
