chased leaders, ridden 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakening when jumped left last
mid-division, headway approaching 7th, led after 3 out, ridden and jumped left 2 out and last, ran on
in touch, went 2nd and hit 7th, hit 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
mid-division, headway 7th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, not quicken flat
keen, chased leaders, led 2nd, mistake 5th, headed next, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
always behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 2nd, led again 6th, mistake 7th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakening when slightly hampered 2 out
A good race with some promising novices and Be Be King is narrowly preferred to Circassian. Paul Nicholls' stable continues to unearth useful novice after novice and Be Be King can fall into that category. His jumping appeared to be much better at Chepstow and over this trip and track, he looks the one to take the beating. Circassian was another high profile recruit to the Graham Wylie and Howard Johnson camp. He won a dire affair at Haydock Park on soft going by twelve lengths. He still looks to have a bit to learn about the winter game and there is no hiding place at this level. Oscar Park is the apple of Colin Tinkler's eye. His run at Newbury may have disappointed the favourite backers on that day but he was attempting to concede two winners penalties on the day. He remains progressive and cannot be ruled out here. Heltornic is another to boast recent winning Haydock Park form. She did tend to jump right at her hurdles but her effort cannot be crabbed. Stag Party was a seven furlong horse on the flat in France but is related to a number of winning hurdlers. Wins Now was second on his most recent French start. That was on particularly soft going at Autueil. Lots of future winners to come and Be Be King appears the much more likely on this day.
Miko de Beauchene (FR) 13-2 (11-5) In touch, headway after 7th, ridden to lead 4 out, mistake 2 out, headed soon after and weakened approaching last, 2nd of 15, 5l behind Be Be King (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Dec.
Be Be King (IRE) 13-8fav (11-5) Tracked leader, ridden to lead soon after 2 out, jumped left last, ridden out, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Dec beating Miko de Beauchene (11-5) by 5l, 15 ran.
Circassian (IRE) 8-15fav (11-0) Always prominent, chased leader after 5th, not fluent 2 out, driven clear when not fluent last, eased towards finish, won at Haydock 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Dec beating Yaboya (11-0) by 12l, 15 ran.
Oscar Park (IRE) 11-8fav (11-10) Held up in touch, not fluent 6th, ridden to lead after 3 out, headed after 2 out, soon edged left and one pace, 2nd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Wee Robbie (11-0) at Newbury 2m 3f nh nov hdl (D) gs in Dec.
Pedros Brief (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Made all, ridden after 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Windsor 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec beating Aztec Warrior (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
How Is The Lord (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, outpaced after 4 out, rallied 2 out, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Slyboots (10-6) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf in Jul '03.
Stag Party (FR) (9-4) Dropped back 2f out behind Midsou (8-7) at Fontainebleau 1m hcp in Nov, 18 ran (Flat).
Wins Now (10-3) Prominent, mistake last, stayed on flat, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Nidor (10-6) at Auteuil 2m 2f hdl hvy in Nov.
Heltornic (IRE) 9-4fav (11-6) Made all, jumped right from 7th, ridden out, won at Haydock 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) sft beating Cloudless Dawn (11-6) by 7l, 8 ran.
Here We Go (IRE) 50-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 7th, chased clear leader after 2 out, no chance, 2nd of 16, 9l behind Tokala (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
