led or disputed lead, headed narrowly after 4 out, driven after next, kept on and every chance last, held towards finish
tracked leaders, disputed lead from 5th, led narrowly after 4 out, driven before 2 out, kept on under pressure flat, held on towards finish
tracked leaders, lost place after 6th, behind from 4 out, tailed off
disputed lead to after 4th, not fluent next, chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off next
held up in touch, chased leaders 6th, outpaced in 4th after 4 out, no chance with clear trio before next
held up in touch, tracked front pair after 6th, driven after 3 out, kept on same pace, well held in clear 3rd when mistake last
Unless Flat winner The New Pharaoh takes an instant liking to hurdles this should chiefly concern CHEF DES OBEAUX and Bob Mahler. James Bowen is probably the best conditional around at the moment and partners the former, who has finished runner-up in both starts to date under Rules and can go one better. A longer trip and return to handicap company may suit Warren Greatrex’ runner.
Bob Mahler (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, went 2nd 4 out until hit next, chased leaders, 2nd again 2 out, no impression when hung right and left jumped left and mistake last, hung left and lost 2nd run-in, kept on close home, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Count Meribel (11-6) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) gs in Nov.
Chef Des Obeaux (FR) 2-1fav (10-12) Chased leaders and keen, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, went 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Santini (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) sft in Dec.
Katara Bay 100-1 (11-0) Not fluent 4th, always towards rear, tailed off, last of 15, dist behind Indian Hercules (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (5) gs in Nov.
St Merryn (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, not always fluent, lost place before 3 out, 10th of 12, dist behind Harefield (10-12) at Warwick 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Tailor Tom (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway on inside chasing leaders when hit 6th, weakened after next, 10th of 15, 29 1/4l behind Indian Hercules (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (5) gs in Nov.
The New Pharaoh (IRE) 9-2 (9-9) Held up off the pace towards rear, headway over 3f out, closed briefly and went 2nd 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Incus (8-13) at Newbury 2m hcp (5) sft in Oct.
