with leader, hit 4th, under pressure after 4 out, weakened next, behind when pulled up after 2 out
chased leaders, driven to challenge after 3 out, hit next, ridden to lead after last, stayed on well
chased leaders, under pressure 3 out, weakened next
held up, slow 3rd, headway under pressure after 4 out, chased leaders next, stayed on into 3rd approaching last, never on terms
led, jumped well apart from not fluent 7th, strongly challenged 2 out, headed after last, no extra
blundered 1st, soon in last, always behind
Altior and Sceau Royal, the last two winners of this, will be contesting the Tingle Creek in just over an hour’s time so this is a potential pathway to greatness. Diakali is three from three over fences but was flattered by his latest margin of victory at Cheltenham when also showing signs of temperament. LALOR (NAP) is held in the highest regard and jumped superbly when striding clear of Dynamite Dollars at Cheltenham with Pingshou a wel-beaten fourth. A Grade 1 winner over hurdles, he already holds high rank among this season’s novice chase crop. Highway One O One was beaten by Dynamite Dollars at Market Rasen in between wins at Newton Abbot and Carlisle but is still preferred to Irish raider Ornua.
Diakali (FR) 9-4fav (11-10) Made all, clear 3rd, not fluent next, reduced lead after 3 out, ridden before last, pressed when left well clear flat, won at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct beating Sister Sibyl (11-3) by 9l, 7 ran.
Dynamite Dollars (FR) 3-1 (11-2) In touch, joined leading pair 6th, effort 2 out, went 2nd at last, ridden and kept on under pressure flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Lalor (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gd in Nov.
Highway One O One (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Prominent, led 5th, not fluent 5 out, soon headed, rallied and every chance after next, stayed on under pressure to lead again towards finish, won at Carlisle 2m (2) sft in Nov beating Dolos (11-6) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Lalor (GER) 11-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led going well after 3 out, drew readily clear between last 2, good jump last, ridden out, stayed on well, impressive, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) gd in Nov beating Dynamite Dollars (11-2) by 7l, 5 ran.
Ornua (IRE) 13-8fav (11-8) Led, joined 2 out, soon ridden, headed at last, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Cadmium (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 3f (1) gd in Oct.
Pingshou (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Disputed lead, led 7th, hit and headed 9th, remained prominent on outside, outpaced turning in, behind when mistake 2 out, stayed on into modest 4th flat, 4th of 5, 22l behind Lalor (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gd in Nov.
