made all, hit 2nd, clear 7th, mistake 3 out, easily
chased winner, jumped right from 6th, weakened after next
chased leaders to 6th, soon lost touch
eased and pulled before 6th
Duke of Buckingham lines up fit and fancied and can dispose of Phar Jeffen and Saragann. Duke of Buckingham had the pleasure of a walkover at Folkestone on 17 November but showed his true worth just four days later when easily beating Lirfox at Kempton, despite being a stone 'wrong' with that rival. Admittedly some of the shine was taken off that performance due to the injury suffered by the favourite Marble Arch, but even so, he jumped well and could do no more than win. Phar Jeffen struggled in class B company at Ascot last time but won well at Kempton on his seasonal reappearance, and back at this lower level, is likely to make his presence felt. Saragann's last victory came at Stratford in August last year, and since then he has struggled with the handicapper. However, he has started to come down the weights and has a sporting chance if anything happens to the favourite. Kelrev will probably need the outing, so Duke of Buckingham should be the one to beat.
