chased winner, struggling after 4 out, lost 2nd and weakened before 3 out
raced in last, slow at times, struggling 9th, went 2nd before 3 out, no chance with winner
made all, clear 3rd, not fluent 6th, reduced lead before next, went well clear after 4 out, steadied into final 3 fences, unchallenged
Glajou has the advantage of a course and distance victory but was weakening when falling two out at Wincanton last time. Blacko completed a double over timber last winter but has never raced over fences and has to run from his hurdles mark. KING D'ARGENT won a novices' handicap at Warwick in December and was in the lead when falling at Newbury next time. He's since won a jumpers' bumper and can take this receiving weight from both rivals.
Glajou (FR) 9-4fav (11-12) Midfield, tracked leaders 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, weakening when fell 2 out, at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Blacko (FR) 10-3 (11-4) Held up in last, took keen hold, headway 5th, no impression after 3 out, 5th of 6, 18 3/4l behind Miss Heritage (11-0) at Warwick 2m hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
King D'Argent (FR) 11-4fav (11-8) Prominent, led after 4f, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Bailarico (11-2) at Lingfield 2m (5) pol in Feb.
