held up in 5th, left in 4th place at 7th, went modest 3rd briefly before 3 out, mistake 3 out, weakened soon after
raced keenly tracking leaders, blundered and unseated rider 7th
jumped well and raced keenly, pressed leader, led narrowly 9th until next, led again 11th (water) made rest, went clear from after 3 out, impressive
went left 1st, raced keenly in 3rd until blundered 6th, left 3rd next, went left 12th, lost 3rd briefly before 3 out, plugged on in remote 2nd run-in, never any chance
led but pressed, narrowly headed 9th, led again next until 11th (water), bad mistake 13th, well held after 3 out, finished tired and no chance with winner, weakened into 3rd run-in
Pic D'Orhy is more exposed than some but his only defeat this season came when he fell when leading a Grade 2 at Newbury in November. Mister Coffey is only a handicapper on the evidence so far but L’HOMME PRESSE (NAP) looks a really smart prospect. He took a step up to Grade 2 company in his stride at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and the third has franked the form since. Fugitif arrives in better form than Gladiateur Allen but is likely to struggle in this company.
Fugitif (FR) 2-1 (11-0) Chased leader, not always fluent, challenged 3 out, led after next, driven out flat, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Dreams Of Home (11-4) by 3 3/4l, 4 ran.
Gladiateur Allen (FR) 33-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, mistake 2nd, not fluent 6th or 13th, fell 4 out, at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) sft in Jan.
L'Homme Presse (FR) 7-4fav (11-3) Made all, not fluent 4 out, drew clear flat, stayed on strongly, easily, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) sft in Jan beating The Glancing Queen (10-12) by 10l, 8 ran.
Mister Coffey (FR) 7-2cfav (11-6) Awkward 1st, raced wide chasing leaders, hampered by faller 2nd, went left 5th and 3 out, stayed on run-in, went 2nd inside final 100 yards, not pace to challenge, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Jacamar (10-13) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Pic D'Orhy (FR) 5-4fav (11-2) Kept wide, tracked leader, led 2nd until 4th, led again 7th until 10th, led again next, good jump and went clear 2 out, very easily, won at Ascot 2m 3f (1) gs in Dec beating Faivoir (11-2) by 9l, 5 ran.
